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Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What It Measures, How the Sample Is Collected, and Why It Matters for Your Health

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

This test checks if a newborn's umbilical cord tissue contains 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), a substance produced when the body processes heroin.

Quick summary

{"6-MAM is a marker that shows if a mother used heroin during pregnancy","The test uses umbilical cord tissue, not the mother's blood or urine","A positive result helps doctors provide appropriate care for the newborn","This is a confidential test part of standard newborn screening","Early detection allows for proper treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
97211-7
Short code
6MAM-CORD
Synonyms
6MAM Free TissCo Ql Cfm
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red top serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
confirm
CPT
80307
SNOMED
431279004
Specimen volume
2-5 mL serum
Stability
Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
100
Icterus max
20
TAT
48–168 hours
Order
routine

What is this test and what does it measure in my body?

This test looks for 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) in your baby's umbilical cord tissue. 6-MAM is a special substance (metabolite) that only appears in the body after someone uses heroin. When a pregnant woman uses heroin, this substance can cross the placenta and remain in the baby's cord tissue, allowing doctors to detect heroin use during pregnancy.

How is the sample for this test collected, and what should I expect during the collection process?

After your baby is born, the healthcare provider will collect a small piece of the umbilical cord. This is usually done during the standard delivery process and does not cause any pain or harm to your baby. The cord tissue is then sent to a laboratory for testing.

Why is this test important for my health, and how will my doctor use the results to guide my care?

If a mother uses heroin during pregnancy, the baby may be born with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), a condition where the baby experiences withdrawal symptoms. Knowing about heroin exposure helps healthcare providers monitor and treat the baby appropriately. This test is part of routine newborn screening in many healthcare settings.

Reference range

Negative / Not DetectedN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Inform patient of intended use for legal/forensic purposes where applicable. Standard chain of custody protocols may apply.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A positive 6-MAM test in cord tissue indicates that the mother used heroin during pregnancy. This information is critical for: (1) diagnosing and managing neonatal abstinence syndrome, which requires special care and sometimes medication to control withdrawal symptoms, (2) ensuring appropriate follow-up care for both mother and baby, (3) connecting the family with support services for substance use treatment, and (4) protecting the baby's health through early intervention. The test uses a confirmatory method (such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) which is highly accurate and specific for detecting 6-MAM.

Frequently asked questions

Will I be in trouble if the test is positive?
This test is primarily for medical care and treatment purposes, not for legal punishment. Healthcare providers use the results to help you and your baby get the best possible care. Many hospitals have confidential support programs for mothers dealing with substance use issues.
How long does heroin stay detectable in cord tissue?
Unlike urine or blood tests which only detect recent use, cord tissue can show heroin exposure from throughout the pregnancy because the cord tissue accumulates substances over time. This makes it a reliable indicator of prenatal drug exposure.
Does a positive test mean my baby will be sick?
Not necessarily. Each baby responds differently. However, if your baby does develop neonatal abstinence syndrome, having this information allows healthcare providers to start treatment early and monitor your baby more closely.
Can other medications cause a positive result?
No. The confirmatory test used is highly specific and only detects 6-MAM, which is unique to heroin metabolism. Other pain medications or opioids will not cause a false positive result.
  1. 1
    March of Dimes - Neonatal Abstinence SyndromeSource
  2. 2
    National Institute on Drug Abuse - Neonatal Abstinence SyndromeSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic - Neonatal abstinence syndromeSource

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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy