Oxycodone concentration in saliva (mass concentration)
This test measures the amount of oxycodone, a prescription pain medication, in your saliva. It helps assess recent drug exposure.
["This test checks for recent oxycodone use through saliva, useful for monitoring compliance or detecting misuse."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72750-3
- Short code
- oxyCODONE Sal Cfm-mCnc
- Synonyms
- oxyCODONE Sal Cfm-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- 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 are taking oxycodone regularly, experiencing suspected misuse, or if you are part of a drug monitoring program. Saliva testing is quick and non-invasive, often used to detect recent drug intake.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may rinse your mouth with water before providing a saliva sample. Avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum for at least 30 minutes before testing to ensure accurate results.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare professional will collect a saliva sample by asking you to spit into a provided container. The sample is then processed to measure oxycodone levels.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL). Higher levels may indicate recent use of oxycodone, while lower or undetectable levels suggest no recent exposure. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Saliva Oxycodone Level
Frequently asked questions
This test is critical for monitoring patients prescribed oxycodone to ensure proper adherence to treatment plans. It can also help identify misuse, especially in controlled environments like hospitals or rehabilitation programs. Elevated levels may prompt further evaluation for addiction or improper use.
Results are usually available within 1 to 3 business days, depending on your lab and testing protocols. Your healthcare provider will contact you once they have the results.
Yes, but avoid eating, drinking, or chewing gum for at least 30 minutes before providing the saliva sample to ensure accurate 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