Opioid Substance Concentration (Urine)
This test measures the presence of opioids, such as codeine, morphine, or hydrocodone, in your urine. It helps detect recent opioid use, often ordered for pain management, addiction screening, or pre-employment or legal evaluations.
["Detects recent opioid use through urine testing for common painkillers."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95796-9
- Short code
- Opioids Pnl Ur Scn
- Synonyms
- Opioids Pnl Ur Scn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- screen
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’re being evaluated for pain management, suspected substance use, pre-employment screening, legal reasons, or to monitor opioid therapy. It helps assess whether opioids are in your system and at what levels.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a urine sample in a private area. If you’re under 18 or pregnant, check with your provider first—some tests may require different instructions.
What Happens During the Test?
A trained staff member will collect your urine sample in a sterile container. The lab will then analyze it using a sensitive immunoassay method to detect opioids.
What Are Common Opioids Detected?
This test screens for several opioids, including prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl, as well as illicit opioids like heroin. Results are reported as positive or negative, not specific to the type.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Positive results indicate recent opioid use, which can guide treatment decisions, such as adjusting pain management plans, assessing addiction risks, or confirming compliance with prescribed medications. Negative results suggest no detectable opioids in your system. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for personalized interpretation.
Short name
Urine Opioid Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can I drink water before the test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy