Cannabinoids (THC), Screen
CPT Code(s):
80307
Turnaround Time:
8 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Urine
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Yellow Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Collect urine in plastic container and transfer to plain yellow top tube (without preservative).
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen received outside stability requirements; Excessive blood, particulates, viscosity present
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
7 days
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
The Cannabinoids (THC) Screen test using immunoassay holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of toxicology and drug screening. This test is designed to detect the presence of cannabinoids, particularly delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in a patient's urine or other body fluids.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of the Cannabinoids (THC) Screen test using immunoassay include:
1. Drug Use Monitoring: The Cannabinoids (THC) Screen test is commonly used to monitor recent cannabis (marijuana) use. It detects the presence of THC or its metabolites in urine, indicating recent exposure to cannabis. This information is particularly relevant for medical professionals, addiction specialists, or legal entities involved in drug rehabilitation programs, workplace drug testing, or legal proceedings.
2. Evaluation of Impairment: The Cannabinoids (THC) Screen test can assist in assessing impairment due to cannabis use. THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis responsible for the characteristic mind-altering effects. Detection of THC or its metabolites in body fluids can provide evidence of recent cannabis use, aiding in evaluating impairment in various settings such as workplace safety assessments, accident investigations, or legal matters.
3. Treatment Compliance Monitoring: The Cannabinoids (THC) Screen test is used to monitor compliance with treatment programs that require abstinence from cannabis use. Individuals undergoing substance abuse treatment or participating in rehabilitation programs may be required to abstain from cannabis as part of their treatment plan. The test helps healthcare providers or counselors assess patient compliance with the treatment program and identify any potential relapse.
4. Forensic and Legal Applications: The Cannabinoids (THC) Screen test has forensic and legal applications. It can be used in legal proceedings, probation monitoring, or workplace drug testing to identify recent cannabis use and enforce compliance with legal or professional requirements.
It is important to note that the Cannabinoids (THC) Screen test using immunoassay provides qualitative results, indicating the presence or absence of cannabinoids above a specific threshold. If a positive result is obtained, further confirmatory testing using more specific methods, such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS), is typically performed to confirm the presence of cannabinoids and provide additional information.
In summary, the Cannabinoids (THC) Screen test using immunoassay has specific clinical significance in toxicology and drug screening. It aids in monitoring recent cannabis use, evaluating impairment, monitoring treatment compliance, and has forensic and legal applications. By detecting the presence of cannabinoids, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, ensuring compliance with treatment programs, and supporting legal and forensic investigations related to cannabis use.