6mamfldqlscn
This test detects 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), a specific breakdown product of heroin that remains in your body fluids.
{"6-MAM is a unique marker that shows recent heroin use","It can be detected in blood/serum for up to 24-48 hours after use","This test is commonly used in drug screening programs and clinical settings"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 78760-6
- Short code
- 6MAM
- Synonyms
- 6MAM Fld Ql Scn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- screen
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 398736005
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL whole blood (yielding 2-4 mL serum)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 6-MAM test looks for 6-monoacetylmorphine in your body fluid (usually blood/serum). 6-MAM is a unique substance that your body produces when you use heroin. Unlike other opioid drugs, only heroin breaks down into 6-MAM, making it a specific marker for heroin use.
Why do I need this test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test for several reasons: to check for recent heroin use, as part of a comprehensive drug screening program, to monitor patients in substance abuse treatment, or in certain clinical situations where understanding opioid use is important for your care.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using specialized equipment to detect the presence of 6-MAM.
What do the results mean?
A 'positive' result means 6-MAM was detected in your sample, indicating recent heroin use (typically within the last 24-48 hours). A 'negative' result means no 6-MAM was detected, but this does not necessarily mean no opioid use—it only means no heroin use was detected within the detection window.
Reference range
Negative - 6-MAM not detected (cutoff: 10 ng/mL)N/A
No special preparation required. Inform patient that this is a drug screen and consent may be required. Provide chain of custody documentation if required for legal/occupational testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long does 6-MAM stay in my system?
Will this test show if I use other pain medications?
Is the test confidential?
What happens if my test is positive?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy