OVERVIEW

Purpose: Suggests use of, or exposure to, a product containing THC, the active ingredient in marijuana/cannabis. Preferred test to follow-up presumptive results for general screening and THC (cannabinoid) screening. This test does not distinguish between the delta-8 and delta-9 forms of THC or their metabolites.

CLINICAL INFORMATION

THC stands as the principal psychoactive constituent within marijuana/cannabis and its synthetic counterparts, renowned for eliciting a euphoric sensation often referred to as a "high." The utilization of THC-containing substances extends to recreational purposes, as well as medical prescriptions for alleviating pain and managing various health conditions. However, due to the complex and evolving laws regarding THC in the United States, specific situations necessitate THC testing, particularly in certain occupations or workplaces.

11-Nor-9-Carboxy-delta 9-THC (THCCOOH) is commonly accepted as the primary urinary metabolite. Detection of this metabolite is indicative of exposure to marijuana.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION

Specimen Type: Random urine
Preferred Collection Container: Non-sterile specimen container
Specimen Required: 3 mL urine; minimum 1 mL

TEST DETAILS

Methodology: Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Compliance Category: Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)
This test was developed and assessed by DMD in compliance with CLIA requirements for its analytical performance characteristics and clinical application. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Reference Interval: Negative
Drug/Metabolite Tested: THC-COOH
Cutoff Concentration: 40 ng/mL
CPT code(s): 80349
Turnaround Time: 90% < 48 hours, 50% < 24 hours

SPECIMEN PROCESSING

Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (preferred) or room temperature overnight shipping.
Specimen Stability: 3 days at room temperature and 14 days at refrigerated and frozen temperatures (to be further confirmed with our validation).
Rejection Criteria: Stability limits exceeded.

Director: Cheryl Hanau, MD; Donald Hall Jr., PhD; Garth Ehrlich, PhD; Yinghua Qiu, PhD, DABCC

Review Date: 08/28/2023

Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding. Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed. The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

The information on these pages is provided for general information only and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for consultation with a physician or health care professional. If you have specific questions or concerns about your health, you should consult your health care professional.

 
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