Cannabinoid Screening in Urine (Mass Concentration)
This test detects the presence of cannabinoids, the active compounds found in marijuana, in your urine. It helps assess recent drug use.
["This test checks for recent marijuana use by measuring cannabinoids in your urine."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27086-8
- Short code
- CANNVIT
- Synonyms
- Cannabinoids Vitf Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile red-top vacutainer tube or screw-top polypropylene cryovial (glass tubes acceptable for GC-MS); no anticoagulant required
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–99 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (screening) with confirmation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 44263008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of vitreous fluid
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 6 months. Store at 2-8°C if not analyzed within 24 hours
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of marijuana use, such as drowsiness, red eyes, or if you’ve been suspected of using marijuana recently. It’s also used in workplace drug testing, legal proceedings, or before certain treatments that require drug-free status.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely be asked to provide a urine sample in a clean container. Avoid drinking excessive fluids before the test, as it may dilute the sample. Follow any specific instructions your provider gives you, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications.
What Happens During the Test
The test involves collecting a small amount of your urine, which is then analyzed in a lab. The lab uses a specialized method (likely high-performance liquid chromatography or immunoassay) to detect cannabinoid compounds. Results are typically available within 24 to 72 hours.
What the Results Mean
A positive result means cannabinoids were found in your urine, indicating recent marijuana use. The amount detected can give clues about how recently you used marijuana (e.g., recent use vs. longer-term exposure). A negative result means no cannabinoids were detected.
Reference range
Negative (cutoff: typically 1-10 ng/mL depending on laboratory and assay; presence reported as positive or negative)N/A
No patient preparation required. Specimen is collected postmortem during autopsy or by vitreous humor aspiration from living patients by qualified medical personnel
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Cannabinoid Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can I still drive or operate machinery if I have a positive result?
How long does it take to get results?
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