Cannabinoid screening (urine)
This test checks for the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds found in marijuana, in your urine. It’s often used to detect recent cannabis use.
["This test helps determine if you’ve used marijuana recently, typically within days to weeks before testing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19293-0
- Short code
- CANAB
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Scn Meth Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container (plastic screw-cap cup); 50 mL capacity recommended. Chain-of-custody container required for medico-legal specimens.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 50
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoassay screening (e.g., EMIT, FPIA, or CEDIA) with confirmation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for positive results
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 454361000124104
- Specimen volume
- 30-50 mL of random urine; minimum 10 mL required for testing
- Stability
- Ambient temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days or longer for forensic specimens. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
This test measures the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active ingredient in marijuana, or its byproducts in a sample of your urine, blood, saliva, or hair. It can show whether these substances are in your body and, in some cases, roughly how much is present.
The test looks for specific cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and its metabolites, which are detectable in urine for varying lengths of time after use. This helps identify recent exposure, though results can depend on factors like metabolism and frequency of use.
You may need this test if an employer requires drug screening before hiring or during employment, if you are an athlete subject to drug checks, if you are in a substance use treatment program, or if your doctor needs this information before prescribing certain medications or evaluating unexplained symptoms.
You may need this test for employment screening, legal purposes, or if your healthcare provider suspects recent cannabis use that could affect your health or treatment. Some employers or programs require this screening as part of their policies.
The test is most often done with a urine sample. You will provide the sample in a sterile cup, sometimes in a supervised setting to prevent tampering. For a blood test, a health professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm, while saliva and hair samples are collected quickly and without discomfort.
A urine sample is collected in a sterile container. The sample is then analyzed using a specialized immunoassay method to detect cannabinoid compounds. Results are typically reported as positive or negative for cannabinoids.
A positive result means THC or its metabolites were detected in your sample, showing marijuana use within the test's detection window. A negative result means no THC was found at the cutoff level. Occasionally results are inconclusive or need repeat testing, and a review officer may ask about prescription medications that could affect the outcome.
A positive result means cannabinoids were found in your urine, suggesting recent marijuana use. A negative result indicates no detectable cannabinoids. However, false negatives are possible if use was very recent or if the test was not conducted at the right time.
Reference range
Negative: < 50 ng/mL (cutoff concentration for 11-nor-9-carboxy-Δ⁹-THC). Positive screen: ≥ 50 ng/mL. Confirmatory testing required for positive screens.N/A
No fasting required. Patients should be informed that this is a screening test and positive results require confirmation. Patient consent may be required depending on institutional policy. Collect under chain-of-custody protocols if for forensic or workplace testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Urine Cannabinoid Screen
Frequently asked questions
Cannabinoid screening is commonly used in workplace drug testing programs, legal settings, or when monitoring substance use for medical or behavioral health reasons. While marijuana use is legal in some areas, employers or organizations may still require testing to ensure compliance with policies.
A positive result indicates recent marijuana use, but it does not provide information about the amount consumed or long-term effects. Cannabis use can affect mood, memory, and coordination, and may interact with other medications. If you have concerns about your use, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
THC and its metabolites can remain in urine for days to weeks, depending on factors like frequency of use, metabolism, and the specific cannabinoid being tested. For example, THC may be detectable for about 30 days in occasional users but longer in frequent users.
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