Cannabinoid (THC and metabolites) Urine Screen
This test detects the presence of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and its metabolites in your urine, often used for drug screening.
["Checks for recent cannabis use via urine sample."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 70143-3
- Short code
- CANN-UR-S
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Ur Scn-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, tamper-evident urine specimen container with temperature strip; chain-of-custody container required for medico-legal testing
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1
- Ref high
- 3
- Critical range
- — – 50 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- screen
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 272245003
- Specimen volume
- 30-50 mL minimum
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 1 month for confirmatory testing. Room temperature: stable for short periods but testing within 24 hours recommended.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test identifies THC and its active metabolites, which can remain in the body for days to weeks after use. This includes compounds like THC-COOH, which are formed when THC is processed by the liver.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test to screen for recent cannabis use in workplaces, legal employment settings, or before certain medical treatments where drug use is prohibited.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A urine sample is collected in a sterile container. The test is typically performed using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or immunoassay method to detect cannabinoids.
Test Limitations
This is a screening test only. False positives can occur if you’ve consumed other substances or have certain medical conditions. Confirmatory testing may be needed for accurate results.
Reference range
Negative (cutoff typically 50 ng/mL for screening; 15 ng/mL for confirmatory testing per SAMHSA guidelines). Detection window varies based on usage frequency: single use 1-3 days, chronic use up to 30+ days.N/A
No special preparation required. Patients should be informed that adulteration, dilution, or substitution of urine specimens may be detected through validity testing. Informed consent may be required based on testing circumstances (employment, legal, clinical).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Cannabinoid Screen
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I drink water before this test?
Does this test detect all types of cannabis?
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