Cannabinoid Screening (Plasma)
This test detects the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds found in cannabis, in your blood plasma. It helps assess recent cannabis use.
["This test checks for recent cannabis exposure, often used in medical or legal contexts."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8171-1
- Short code
- CANCF
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids SerPl Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (no anticoagulant) or serum separator tube (SST). For forensic/legal purposes, use chain-of-custody collection container with tamper-evident seals.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1
- Ref high
- 5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- confirm
- CPT
- 80349 (Cannabinoids, quantitative) or G0480 (definitive drug confirmation)
- SNOMED
- 26011004
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL of whole blood yielding minimum 1-2 mL serum or plasma
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days for serum. Plasma stability similar. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 150
- Icterus max
- 25
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve been suspected of using cannabis recently, if you’re under legal testing (e.g., workplace, legal), or if symptoms like dizziness, altered mood, or impaired coordination are reported. It can also be part of a broader substance use evaluation.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. Avoid cannabis use for at least 24 hours before testing if possible, as it may affect results.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are qualitative (positive/negative) rather than quantitative. A positive result indicates detectable cannabinoids in your system, suggesting recent use. False positives can occur if you’ve consumed cannabis products (e.g., edibles, oils) shortly before testing.
Possible Outcomes and Next Steps
If positive, discuss findings with your provider. They may recommend further evaluation (e.g., urine or saliva tests for longer detection windows) or explore underlying reasons for testing. If negative, it means cannabinoids were not detected in your blood at the time of testing.
Reference range
Negative (cutoff concentration typically 1-5 ng/mL depending on laboratory; SAMHSA workplace cutoff is 50 ng/mL for screening, lower for confirmatory testing)N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should be informed that results may have legal, occupational, or forensic implications. Chain of custody procedures may apply for medicolegal samples.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Cannabinoid Screening in Practice
Short name
Cannabinoid Test
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test detect other substances besides cannabis?
Why might my results be different from someone else’s?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy