Substance Use Disorder Screening: Prescription Opioid Use
This test helps assess whether you may be struggling with controlling or reducing your use of prescription opioids, which can be part of identifying substance use disorder.
This screening may help identify risks or concerns related to opioid use patterns.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95490-9
- Short code
- HAVEYOUEVERTRIEDANDFAILEDTOCONTROLCUTDOWNORSTOPUSINGPRESCRIPTIONOP
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- nida
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 screening evaluates behavioral patterns and self-reported use of prescription opioids, often as part of a broader assessment for substance use disorders. It does not measure actual drug levels in your body but focuses on your awareness of use habits and challenges in moderation.
Why It’s Done
Healthcare providers may use this screening if you’ve expressed concerns about opioid use, have been prescribed opioids for chronic pain, or are in a setting where substance use monitoring is part of care (e.g., pain management clinics, addiction treatment programs).
What to Expect
You’ll likely answer questions about your prescription opioid use, such as how often you take them, whether you’ve tried to cut back, and how it affects your daily life. This is not a blood or urine test but a conversation-based assessment.
Next Steps
Results may guide discussions about safer use, alternative treatments, or referrals to support services if needed. Follow-up may include counseling, medication management, or additional testing if required.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results may indicate patterns of opioid use that could pose risks, such as dependence, addiction, or misuse. Early identification can lead to interventions like therapy, support groups, or adjustments to pain management plans to improve safety and well-being.
Short name
Prescription Opioid Use Screening
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive screening result mean?
Will this test show if I’m physically dependent on opioids?
Can I still take opioids if my screening shows concerns?
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