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Prescription Opioid Substance Involvement Screening Score

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test evaluates the likelihood of prescription opioid misuse based on your medical history and current prescription details. It’s not a blood test but uses information from your records to assess risk.

Quick summary

This screening helps healthcare providers identify if you may need further evaluation for opioid use disorder.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
95511-2
Short code
PRESCRIPTIONOPIOIDSSUBSTANCEINVOLVEMENTSCORE
Synonyms
—
Category
coagulation
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
0.8
Ref high
1.2
Critical range
0.5 N/A – 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

The score combines data from your prescription history, including the number of different opioids prescribed, duration of use, and frequency of refills. It also considers other factors like prior substance use or mental health conditions, if documented.

How It’s Used in Care

Healthcare providers use this score to determine if you might benefit from additional screening, counseling, or treatment options for opioid use. It’s not a diagnostic test but a tool to guide next steps in your care plan.

What to Expect Before the Test

You won’t need to prepare for this test since it relies on your existing medical records. Your provider will review your prescription history and other relevant information to calculate the score.

Common Questions About This Test

This test doesn’t involve drawing blood or any physical sample. It’s based on information your doctor has already collected about your prescriptions and medical history.

Reference range

INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A

Specimen: serum

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.

Clinical Significance: Understanding the Role of the Score

Short name

Opioid Use Assessment Score

Frequently asked questions

Why might my doctor use this score?
Your doctor may use this score to identify if you’re at higher risk for opioid misuse or dependence. It helps them decide whether you need additional support, such as counseling, medication management, or referrals to specialized programs.
What if my score is higher than expected?
A higher score doesn’t mean you have a problem—it simply indicates your provider may want to explore your use of opioids more closely. They could recommend talking to a specialist, attending support groups, or adjusting your treatment plan.
Does this test replace a urine drug test?
No, this test is different. It’s a screening tool based on prescription records and doesn’t detect current drug use in your body. A urine drug test would be used to check for recent opioid use in your system.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy