THC
Label Mnemonic: THCR
Epic code: LAB7388
Order form: Laboratory Requisition
Supply order: Supply Order Form
Billing: Billing Policies
CPT code: 80349
Specimen(s):
Urine Screen + Reflexed Confirmation, Random
Collection Medium:
Clear top tube
Alternate Collection Media:
Urine (Random)-BD Vacutainer®, no additive yellow top
Minimum:
5 mL random urine
Rejection Criteria:
Test cannot be added to a urine sample previously utilized for urinalysis testing (LAB1160, LAB1164, LAB8379).
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Turn Around Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
None
Interpretive Data:
Drug of abuse screening tests are to be used for medical purposes only and not for non-medical purposes (e.g., employee, competitive athlete, or forensic testing).
Comments:
Screen includes THC with a cutoff of 50 ng/mL for the main 
metabolite of THC (9-carboxy-THC).

All positive screening tests are automatically reflexed to a mail-out 
confirmation assay that uses liquid chromatography-tandem mass 
spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) to provide definitive identification and 
quantitation of 9-carboxy-THC.

It is highly unlikely that passive (second-hand) inhalation of 
marijuana smoke will result in a positive screening test.  Research 
studies have shown that maximum urinary concentrations of 9-carboxy-
THC levels only reach 15-20 ng/mL following passive inhalation of 
heavy marijuana smoke.

References:
Cone EJ, Johnson RE, Darwin WD, Yousefnejad D, Mell LD, Paul BD, 
Mitchell J.  Passive inhalation of marijuana smoke: urinarlysis and 
room air levels of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol.  J Anal Toxicol 
1987;11:89-96.

Hammett-Stabler CA, Pesce AJ, Cannon DJ.  Urine Drug Screening in the 
Medical Setting.  Clinica Chimica Acta 2002;315:125-135.
Test Limitations:
There is the possibility that other substances and/or factors may interfere with the test and cause erroneous results (e.g., technical or procedural errors). Call the lab at 319-356-3527 for additional information.
Methodology:
Assay is based on the kinetic interaction of microparticles in a solution (KIMS) as measured by changes in light transmission.
Sample Processing:
Submit urine in leak-proof plastic container.
Label the container with two Full patient identifiers, start date/time, and stop date/time of collection.
Sample Storage:
Refrigerate.
Transport Instructions:
Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.
CPT Code:
80349
 
See also:
Drugs of Abuse, Urine
Drugs of Abuse, Urine + Confirm
THC, Urine Screen, Random