6mammsmtur
A urine test that detects 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), a specific metabolite of heroin, used to confirm recent heroin use.
{"6-MAM is a unique marker only produced when heroin is broken down in the body","This test can detect heroin use within 2-4 days after use","It is commonly used in addiction treatment programs and forensic testing","A positive result indicates recent heroin use","The test requires a urine sample collected under supervised conditions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 108004-3
- Short code
- 6-MAM
- Synonyms
- 6MAM Msmt Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Clean, sterile urine collection container without preservatives
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Immunoassay screening with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmation
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 415271008
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 10 mL, preferred 30-50 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature (20-25°C): 5-7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7-14 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30+ days
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The 6-MAM urine test measures the presence of 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) in your urine. 6-MAM is a unique metabolite produced when your body breaks down heroin (also called diacetylmorphine). Unlike other substances that can come from multiple sources, 6-MAM is only created when heroin is metabolized, making it a highly specific marker for heroin use.
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected, typically under supervised conditions to ensure sample integrity. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using immunoassay screening followed by confirmatory testing such as mass spectrometry to accurately detect and quantify 6-MAM levels.
How long can 6-MAM be detected?
6-MAM has a relatively short detection window in urine, usually about 2-4 days after heroin use. This is shorter than many other drugs, which means the test is most useful for detecting relatively recent heroin use rather than past use from weeks or months ago.
Reference range
Negative (Not Detected). Cutoff concentration: 10 ng/mLN/A
Patient should provide a clean catch urine sample. No special dietary restrictions required. Inform patient of the purpose of the test and obtain appropriate consent for drug testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Will poppy seeds cause a positive result?
Can prescribed medications cause a positive result?
How long does it take to get results?
Is the test confidential?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy