Cannabinoid Urine Drug Screen (Qualitative)
This test checks for the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds found in marijuana, in your urine. It helps determine if you’ve recently used cannabis.
["A simple urine test to detect recent marijuana use."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 3427-2
- Short code
- CANN-U
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Ur Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine container (preferably with tamper-evident seal); no preservative required for routine screening
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (initial screen) with confirmatory Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 442638005
- Specimen volume
- 30-50 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days or longer for forensic specimens
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test screens for cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and its metabolites, which appear in urine after marijuana use. This helps identify exposure within a specific timeframe.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test for employment screening, legal reasons, or to assess substance use during treatment. It’s not a diagnostic tool for medical conditions but can indicate recent cannabis exposure.
How Is the Test Performed?
You’ll provide a urine sample in a sterile container. The lab processes it using immunoassay techniques to detect cannabinoid compounds.
What Are Possible Results?
A positive result means cannabinoids were detected, suggesting recent use. A negative result means no detectable cannabinoids were found in this sample. Results don’t indicate the amount or duration of use.
Reference range
Negative (cutoff: 50 ng/mL for screening; 15 ng/mL for confirmatory GC-MS for THC-COOH)N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should be informed that this is a screening test and positive results require confirmation. Patient identity verification recommended. Chain of custody may be required for forensic or workplace testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Cannabinoid Urine Test (Screen)
Frequently asked questions
What Are Common Causes of Positive Results?
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Can This Test Detect Other Drugs?
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