Cannabinoid (THC and metabolites) Urine Screening
This test detects the presence of cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites, in your urine. It helps determine if recent cannabis use may have occurred.
["This screening checks for recent cannabis exposure, often used in workplace, legal, or medical settings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 70144-1
- Short code
- CANNAB
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Ur Ql Scn>20 ng/mL
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container without preservative; tamper-evident container preferred for forensic/employment testing
- Units
- N/A
- Ref high
- 20
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- screen-ng-ml
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 314529007
- Specimen volume
- 30-50 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days or longer. For forensic specimens, follow chain-of-custody storage protocols.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have concerns about recent cannabis use, are required for employment or legal reasons, or if symptoms suggest possible substance exposure. It’s also sometimes used in medical evaluations for conditions like chronic pain or addiction assessment.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a urine sample in a private area, similar to other routine urine tests. Avoid drinking alcohol or using other substances that could interfere with results for at least 48 hours before testing.
What the Test Results Mean
A positive result indicates the presence of cannabinoids, suggesting recent cannabis use. A negative result means no detectable cannabinoids were found in your sample. Results are qualitative (yes/no) rather than quantifying exact amounts.
Possible Causes of Positive Results
Cannabinoids can remain in urine for days to weeks after use, depending on frequency and metabolism. False positives may occur if other substances (like certain medications) are present, but this test specifically targets cannabis-related compounds.
Reference range
Negative (cutoff: >20 ng/mL is considered positive/presumptive positive)N/A
No special preparation required. Patients should be advised that certain prescription medications, over-the-counter medications (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), and dietary supplements (e.g., hemp products, CBD oil) may cause false-positive results. Provide a complete medication and supplement history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Cannabinoid Screen
Frequently asked questions
What Does This Test Detect?
How Long Does It Stay in the Body?
Can This Test Be Used for Medical Reasons?
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