Fentanyl and Norfentanyl, Qualitative, Urine
This test screens a urine sample for the presence of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, and its breakdown product norfentanyl, which the body forms as it processes the drug.
["A positive result indicates recent fentanyl exposure, while a negative result generally means fentanyl and norfentanyl were not detected at the testing cutoff."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58379-9
- Short code
- fentaNYL+Norfentanyl Ur Ql Scn
- Synonyms
- fentaNYL+Norfentanyl Ur Ql Scn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- screen
- CPT
- 86430
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test looks for two related substances in urine. Fentanyl is the parent drug, and norfentanyl is the metabolite created when the liver breaks fentanyl down. Because norfentanyl stays in the body longer than fentanyl itself, checking for both improves the chance of detecting recent use or exposure.
Why It Is Ordered
Healthcare providers may order this test to evaluate suspected opioid use, to monitor patients in substance-use treatment programs, or as part of emergency care when someone shows signs of opioid toxicity. It is a qualitative screen, meaning it reports whether the substances are present above a detection threshold rather than an exact amount.
How the Sample Is Collected
A urine specimen is collected in a clean container, typically as a random or observed collection depending on the setting. No special preparation is usually needed. Be aware that some collection sites require supervision to ensure sample integrity.
Understanding Your Results
A "positive" or "detected" result means fentanyl and/or norfentanyl were found at or above the test's cutoff. A "negative" or "not detected" result means they were not found above that level. Screening results are often confirmed with a more specific method such as mass spectrometry before being treated as definitive.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid involved in a large share of overdose deaths, and norfentanyl is its primary urinary metabolite. Because detection windows depend on dose, frequency of use, individual metabolism, and the assay cutoff, a negative screen does not entirely rule out remote or low-level exposure, and a positive screen should be interpreted alongside the clinical picture and, where appropriate, confirmatory testing. Results can have medical, legal, and employment implications, so discuss them with your provider.
Short name
Fentanyl/Norfentanyl Screen, Urine
Frequently asked questions
How long after fentanyl use will this test stay positive?
Does a positive result always mean I used fentanyl?
Can this test tell how much fentanyl I used?
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