Substance Concentration in Urine (Qualitative) – Specific Substances Detected (e.g., drugs, toxins, or metabolites)
This test checks for the presence of certain substances in your urine, such as drugs, alcohol, or other chemicals. It helps your healthcare provider understand if you’ve used medications, alcohol, or other substances that may affect your health.
["Identifies potential substance use or exposure that may require medical evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 28374-7
- Short code
- GIVINGUPTHINGS
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- reported-living-hiv
- 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 This Test Measures
This test detects a variety of substances in your urine, including common drugs (like opioids, benzodiazepines, or cocaine), alcohol metabolites, and sometimes other chemicals or toxins. The results are qualitative, meaning they only tell you whether the substance is present or not, not how much.
How the Test Works
Your urine sample is analyzed using a method that detects specific chemical markers of substances. This could involve immunoassay or other screening techniques to identify the presence of drugs, alcohol, or other compounds without measuring exact quantities.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test to assess substance use for reasons such as monitoring treatment for addiction, evaluating suspected drug abuse, or checking for exposure to harmful substances in the workplace or environment.
Possible Results and Interpretation
If the test comes back positive, it means the substance was detected in your urine. A negative result means no detectable substance was found. Always discuss the results with your healthcare provider, as they may need further testing or additional context to interpret the findings accurately.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Urine Drug Screen (Qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor want to know if I’ve used substances?
What does a positive result mean?
Can I fast before 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