Acetamincodeineserplql
This test checks for the presence of acetaminophen and codeine in your blood to monitor medication levels or detect overdose.
{"The test measures both acetaminophen (pain reliever) and codeine (opioid pain medication) in your blood","It helps doctors ensure your medication dose is safe and effective","The test may be ordered if you have symptoms of overdose or are taking both medications together","A blood sample is drawn from your arm for testing","Results help healthcare providers manage your pain treatment safely"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43720-2
- Short code
- ACET-CODE
- Synonyms
- Acetamin+Codeine SerPl Ql
- 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
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoassay with confirmation by mass spectrometry
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 39873001
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL minimum, 2 mL preferred
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Acetaminophen and Codeine test is a blood test that detects whether both acetaminophen (also known as Tylenol or paracetamol) and codeine are present in your bloodstream. These are two common pain medications that are sometimes prescribed together for moderate to severe pain management.
Why do I need this test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test for several reasons: to monitor if you have therapeutic levels of the medication in your system, to check for accidental or intentional overdose, to ensure you are taking your medications as prescribed, or to evaluate unexplained symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or liver problems while on these medications.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood will be collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test looks for the presence or absence of acetaminophen and codeine in your serum or plasma. You do not need to fast before this test unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so.
What do the results mean?
The test result will typically indicate whether acetaminophen and codeine are detected or not detected in your blood. If detected, it means the medications are present in your system. Your doctor will interpret these results based on when you took your last dose, your medical history, and your symptoms. Therapeutic levels mean your medication is within the expected range, while very high levels may indicate an overdose requiring immediate medical attention.
Are there any risks?
The risks associated with this blood test are minimal and include slight pain or bruising at the needle site, bleeding, and in rare cases, infection. These risks are similar to any standard blood draw procedure.
Reference range
Not Detected; Positive results indicate presence of acetaminophen and/or codeine above assay cutoffN/A
No fasting required. Inform laboratory of any prescription, over-the-counter medications, or supplements within 72 hours prior to collection. Recent ingestion of opioid-containing medications may yield positive result.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long do acetaminophen and codeine stay in my blood?
What happens if my test shows high levels?
Do I need to stop taking my medication before the test?
Can this test detect other pain medications?
Sources
- 1
- 2Mayo Clinic - CodeineSource
- 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