Synthetic Cannabinoid Urine Drug Screen (Qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of synthetic cannabinoids, which are chemically altered substances that mimic the effects of marijuana. It’s used to detect use of these compounds in urine samples.
["This screen helps determine if synthetic cannabinoids were recently used, which may be important for medical, legal, or workplace reasons."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 67126-3
- Short code
- SYNTHCANN
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids synthetic Ur Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, tamper-evident urine specimen container. For chain-of-custody testing, use approved collection containers with temperature strip and security seals. Specimen should be transferred to a screw-capped polypropylene or polyethylene tube for laboratory analysis.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- CPT
- 80307 (with definitive identification, qualitative) or G0480 (definitive drug class confirmation) - varies by payer and panel composition
- SNOMED
- 122624003 |Substance identification procedure (procedure)|
- Specimen volume
- 30-50 mL minimum urine volume; ideally 50-100 mL for confirmatory testing with adequate retention for reanalysis if needed
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days. Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days for long-term storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. For synthetic cannabinoids, stability may be analyte-dependent; samples should be analyzed promptly when possible.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test detects synthetic cannabinoids in your urine, which are not naturally occurring in the body. These substances can be used recreationally or sometimes for medical purposes, though they are not FDA-approved. The method used is typically a qualitative immunoassay, which identifies the presence of these compounds without measuring exact amounts.
Why You Might Need This Test
You may have this test if you’ve been suspected of using synthetic cannabinoids, if you’re required for employment, legal reasons, or if your healthcare provider is concerned about substance use. It’s important to note that this is a screening test and may not detect all types of synthetic cannabinoids.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed for this urine test. You’ll be asked to provide a urine sample in a sterile container. If you’re taking certain medications or have health conditions, let your healthcare provider know before the test.
What to Expect During the Test
The test involves collecting a urine sample, which is then analyzed in a lab. Results are typically available within a few days. If the test is positive, further testing (confirmation) may be needed to rule out false positives or identify specific substances.
Reference range
Negative: < cutoff (typically <10 ng/mL for individual synthetic cannabinoids). Report includes qualitative presence/absence and quantitative concentration for detected analytes (e.g., JWH-018, JWH-073, JWH-200, AM-2201, UR-144, XLR-11, AB-PINACA, AB-FUBINACA, ADB-FUBINACA, MDMB-FUBINACA, 5F-ADB, 4-CMC, etc.)N/A
No fasting required. Patient should be informed of test purpose, especially in forensic, employment, or pain management settings where chain-of-custody procedures may apply. Patient may consume normal diet and fluids prior to collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate recent use of synthetic cannabinoids, which can have serious health risks, including severe side effects, addiction, and potential overdose. Negative results mean no detectable synthetic cannabinoids were found in your urine at the time of testing. This information can guide treatment decisions, legal outcomes, or workplace policies.
Short name
Synthetic Cannabinoid Urine Test (Screen)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get the results?
Can I drink water before the test?
What if I take over-the-counter medications?
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