THC
Label Mnemonic: THCU
Epic code: LAB5203
Order form: Laboratory Requisition
Supply order: Supply Order Form
Billing: Billing Policies
CPT code: 80349
Specimen(s):
Urine Screen, 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).



If quantitative confirmation is needed for THC, call UIDL Client Services 
at 1-866-844-2522. Allow up to seven days for confirmatory results.
Quantitative confirmation is at an additional charge. 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 transport tube with two patient identifiers, date and 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.
 
See also:
Drugs of Abuse, Urine
Drugs of Abuse, Urine + Confirm
THC, Urine Screen + Reflexed Confirmation, Random