Marijuana Drug Screening Test
A urine test that detects marijuana use by measuring THC metabolites, commonly used for employment screening or personal monitoring.
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What this test measures
This test detects marijuana use by measuring delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol metabolite (THC-COOH) in urine. A metabolite is a biomarker that remains in the urine after a drug is processed by the body. A positive test for THC metabolite indirectly indicates that THC, a psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been present in the body.
The test results do not identify route of THC exposure, source of exposure, specific timing of exposure, dose, intentional or accidental nature of exposure, or clinical impairment. The detection window can vary widely depending on cannabis use history and individual characteristics such as body fat, with chronic heavy users potentially testing positive for a month or longer after last use. The test uses established cutoff levels to distinguish between positive and negative results, helping to avoid false positives from passive exposure.
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals preparing for pre-employment screening who want to know their status beforehand
- People in safety-sensitive positions who need periodic testing for workplace compliance
- Individuals in legal situations where drug testing may be required and want to monitor their status
- Those participating in treatment programs who need to demonstrate abstinence
- People who want to verify their clearance after a period of abstinence
- Anyone seeking peace of mind about their drug test status in a private, confidential setting
What to expect
Preparation
No special preparation needed. Stay hydrated normally and avoid excessive water consumption which could dilute the sample.
Sample Type
Simple urine collection in a sterile container provided by the lab
Collection
Visit any Quest location with your test order and valid ID. Provide a urine sample under standard collection protocols
Turnaround
Results typically available within 1-2 business days through secure online portal
Understanding your results
Initial screening provides a qualitative positive or negative result, while confirmatory testing uses more specific methods and provides quantitative levels of THC metabolites detected. Federal workplace programs typically use a screening cutoff of 50 ng/mL for initial testing and 15 ng/mL for confirmatory testing. Your results will indicate whether THC metabolites were detected above the laboratory's established cutoff levels.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard screening | 50 ng/mL cutoff | Initial immunoassay screening threshold |
| Confirmatory testing | 15 ng/mL cutoff | GC-MS confirmation threshold for workplace programs |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
A negative result indicates that cannabinoids or metabolites were not found above the cutoff threshold in the test sample. This suggests no recent marijuana use or levels below the detection limit.
What does a “High” result mean?
A positive result indicates that THC metabolite concentration exceeds the established cutoff level, confirming cannabis exposure. This may affect employment eligibility, legal standing, or program participation depending on the context.
Privacy & confidentiality
Test results are delivered directly to you through a secure online portal and are not shared with employers, insurance companies, or government agencies unless you choose to provide them. Your privacy and confidentiality are fully protected throughout the testing process.
Frequently asked questions
Related conditions
CPT Code: 80305
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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Not sure if this is the right test? Contact our care team for guidance.