Cannabinoid Substance Concentration (Urine)
This test measures the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds found in marijuana, in your urine. It helps detect recent use.
["A urine cannabinoid test checks for marijuana use within your system."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8178-6
- Short code
- CANCONF
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Usub Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top vacuum tube or serum separator tube (SST); chain-of-custody container if legally required
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- CPT
- 80349
- SNOMED
- 16757011000119105
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL of whole blood yielding 3-5 mL of serum
- Stability
- Serum stable at room temperature for 24 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) for 7 days; frozen (-20°C) for up to 30 days. For extended storage, freeze at -80°C.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–120 hours
- Order
- routine
What Does This Test Measure?
The test detects cannabinoids, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and its metabolites, which are the psychoactive compounds in marijuana. It looks for these substances in your urine, which can stay in your system for days or weeks after use.
Why Might You Need This Test?
This screening may be ordered by employers, schools, or healthcare providers to check for recent marijuana use, especially if you’re involved in activities requiring sobriety or compliance with substance-free policies.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small urine sample is collected in a sterile container. The sample is then analyzed using a specialized laboratory method to detect cannabinoid compounds.
What Are the Results Typically Used For?
Results are used to determine if cannabinoids are present in your urine, which can inform decisions about employment, legal matters, or ongoing medical treatment.
Reference range
Negative (cutoff concentration: 50 ng/mL for serum confirmation; varies by laboratory and regulatory guidelines)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen collection should follow chain-of-custody protocols when required for legal or occupational testing purposes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Cannabinoid Screen
Frequently asked questions
How long can cannabinoids stay in urine after use?
What does a positive result mean?
Can diet or other substances affect this test?
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