Oxycodone concentration in urine (24-hour collection)
This test measures the amount of oxycodone, a prescription opioid pain medication, in your urine over a 24-hour period. It helps assess recent use or exposure to the drug.
["This test helps track opioid exposure or adherence to prescribed medication regimens."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10998-3
- Short code
- oxyCODONE Ur Ql
- Synonyms
- oxyCODONE Ur Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate recent opioid use, monitor compliance with prescribed medications, detect potential misuse, or investigate symptoms like pain, confusion, or withdrawal.
What Does the Test Involve?
You’ll collect all urine produced in a 24-hour period in a special container. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a sensitive detection method.
How Is the Test Performed?
No special preparation is needed, but you may be instructed to avoid certain foods, medications, or activities that could interfere with results. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully.
What Are Common Interferences?
Other opioids, certain medications (e.g., antacids, laxatives), or substances like marijuana may affect results. False positives can occur with over-the-counter pain relievers or certain household cleaners.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Oxycodone (24h)
Frequently asked questions
High levels may indicate recent opioid use, misuse, or non-compliance with prescribed treatment. Low or absent levels could suggest abstinence or avoidance of the medication. Results guide treatment decisions, especially in pain management or addiction recovery programs.
A positive result means your urine contained detectable amounts of oxycodone during the 24-hour period. This may confirm recent use, but it doesn’t always indicate intentional misuse—it could also reflect accidental exposure or incomplete metabolism.
Oxycodone typically appears in urine within hours of ingestion, peaking around 24 hours. However, results depend on factors like dose, metabolism, and individual differences.
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