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Urine Oxycodone Concentration (Substance Concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of oxycodone, a prescription opioid pain medication, in your urine. It helps assess recent drug use or exposure.

Quick summary

["This test checks for recent opioid exposure, often used in drug testing or monitoring treatment compliance."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
78873-7
Short code
oxyCODONE Z-score Ur
Synonyms
oxyCODONE Z-score Ur
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

What Does This Test Measure?

Oxycodone is a controlled substance used to treat moderate to severe pain. This test detects the presence of oxycodone in your urine, which can indicate recent use or ingestion. The test is typically performed using a high-performance liquid chromatography (hplc) method to ensure accuracy.

Why Might You Need This Test?

Doctors may order this test for several reasons, including: verifying compliance with a prescribed opioid treatment plan, detecting recent misuse of opioids, or as part of a broader drug screening process (e.g., workplace, legal, or pre-admission requirements).

Sample Collection and Preparation

A urine sample is collected in a sterile container. You may be asked to provide a midstream urine sample to ensure accuracy. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. No special preparation is needed, but you should avoid drinking excessive fluids before testing if instructed.

Test Results Interpretation

Results are reported as a concentration of oxycodone in your urine. Interpretation depends on the context (e.g., therapeutic monitoring vs. drug screening). A positive result means oxycodone was detected, but the exact amount does not always indicate the duration of use or severity.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Urine Oxycodone

Frequently asked questions

What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive urine oxycodone test confirms recent opioid exposure. This can be important for managing pain, assessing addiction, or ensuring safety in high-risk settings. However, false positives can occur, so follow-up testing or additional context may be needed for diagnosis.
How Long Does Oxycodone Stay in Urine?
Oxycodone can be detected in urine for several days after ingestion, depending on factors like metabolism, dosage, and individual differences. This test is designed to capture recent use, not long-term accumulation.
Can This Test Detect Other Opioids?
Yes, urine drug screens often include oxycodone as part of a broader panel testing for multiple opioids and other substances. If you suspect misuse of other drugs, ask your healthcare provider about additional testing.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

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