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Urine Drug Use and Abuse Screen — Qualitative

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A urine screen checks for selected drugs and the misuse of prescription or illegal substances. It is usually a preliminary qualitative test.

Quick summary

["A detected substance suggests possible exposure, but unexpected results should be confirmed and reviewed with your clinician."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
38809-0
Short code
Deprecated UE aa-R XRA W contr IA
Synonyms
Deprecated UE aa-R XRA W contr IA
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
xr-fluor-angio
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

A urine drug screen looks for substances such as stimulants, opioids, benzodiazepines, cannabis, and other controlled or misused drugs. The result generally reports whether selected substances were detected or not detected.

Why might I need this test?

Clinicians may order this test when there is concern about substance use, during certain medication-monitoring programs, or when a drug screen is required for employment, treatment, or legal reasons. Your clinician should explain the reason for the test.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected and analyzed by the laboratory, often using an immunoassay. An unexpected or positive screen is usually considered presumptive and may require confirmatory testing with a laboratory method such as mass spectrometry.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the collection instructions provided by the laboratory or clinician. Unless instructed otherwise, do not drink excessive amounts of water, and tell the healthcare professional about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, supplements, and substances recently used.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Urine drug screen

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive urine drug screen mean someone used drugs recently?
Not necessarily. It indicates that a substance was detected, but it may not establish when, how much, or how it was taken. Confirmatory testing can help clarify unexpected results.
Can prescription medicines cause a positive result?
Yes. Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can cause a screening result that appears positive for certain substances. Tell the clinician and laboratory about all medicines and supplements you have taken.
How long after use can a substance be detected?
Detection varies by substance, dose, frequency of use, urine concentration, and individual metabolism. The laboratory's test information or your clinician can provide guidance for the specific substances included.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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