Cannabinoid screening in saliva (qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds found in marijuana, using a sample of your saliva. It helps determine if recent cannabis use occurred.
["Detects recent marijuana exposure via saliva for medical or legal purposes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40801-3
- Short code
- CANN-SAL
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Sal Ql Scn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Saliva/oral fluid collection device (e.g., dedicated oral fluid collection swab or collection pad with transport tube)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 12 years
- Method
- screen
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 395146005
- Specimen volume
- Per device specifications; typically 1 mL of oral fluid collected by expectoration or specialized collection device
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days. Stability varies by collection device and laboratory protocol.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test detects cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), which are the primary psychoactive and non-psychoactive compounds in marijuana. Saliva is a convenient specimen because cannabinoids are absorbed into the bloodstream and then into saliva within minutes to hours of use.
How the Sample Is Collected
You’ll provide a small saliva sample, often collected by swabbing the inside of your cheek or using a saliva collection device. No fasting is required, and the process is quick and painless.
When You Might Need This Test
This test may be used for workplace drug screening, legal purposes (e.g., driving under the influence), or by healthcare providers to assess recent cannabis exposure, especially if symptoms like altered mood or impaired judgment are reported.
What the Results Mean
A positive result indicates recent cannabis use, but it doesn’t specify the amount or duration. Negative results mean no detectable cannabinoids were found in your saliva at the time of testing. Follow-up testing may be needed for confirmation or further evaluation.
Reference range
Negative (cutoff: typically 25 ng/mL for THC; varies by laboratory and device). Positive screens require confirmatory testing by GC-MS or LC-MS/MS.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should not eat, drink, or smoke for at least 10-30 minutes prior to saliva collection (per device manufacturer instructions) to ensure adequate oral fluid volume and accurate results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Saliva Cannabinoid Screen
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor or employer order this test?
What does a positive result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy