Serum/plasma fentanyl and norfentanyl concentration (qualitative/quantitative screening and confirmation)
This test measures the presence and levels of fentanyl and its active metabolite, norfentanyl, in your blood. It helps assess exposure to these opioids, often used in pain management or as part of drug screening.
["This test can help determine if opioids like fentanyl are in your system, which may be important for pain management, safety, or legal reasons."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 81277-6
- Short code
- fentaNYL+Norfentanyl pnl Gast
- Synonyms
- fentaNYL+Norfentanyl pnl Gast
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re suspected of exposure to fentanyl (a potent opioid), experiencing opioid-related symptoms, or as part of routine screening for substance use. It can also be used in workplace or legal settings to check for drug presence.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, typically drawn from a vein in your arm. The test may be done as part of a routine blood draw or specifically requested for this purpose.
What the Results Mean
Results are qualitative (positive/negative) or quantitative (measured concentration), depending on the method. Positive results indicate detectable levels of fentanyl or norfentanyl. Confirmatory testing may follow for higher accuracy.
Common Uses and Limitations
This test is primarily used for screening and confirmation of opioid exposure. It does not distinguish between therapeutic use and misuse, and results may vary based on recent drug intake or metabolism.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Fentanyl and Norfentanyl in Medicine and Public Health
Short name
Opioid metabolite screening (serum/plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean for my health?
Can this test detect other opioids?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy