Cannabinoid (Marijuana), Qualitative, Urine

Cannabinoid (Marijuana), Qualitative, Urine

Number
	074435
CPT
	80101
Synonyms
	Cannabis ; Marijuana ; THC
Test Includes
	Cannabinoid (marijuana), qualitative, urine. Confirmation by GC/MS is automatically performed on positive samples for additional charge.
Special Instructions
	Chain-of-custody documentation is required for samples submitted for pre-employment, random employee testing, and forensic purposes. For other applications, use the standard request form. Please mark chain-of-custody test number on the request form.
Specimen
	Urine
Volume
	30 mL
Container
	Use plastic urine drug bottle and evidence tape or tamper-evident container for forensic specimen. Collection kits are available by request from the laboratory.
Collection
	Urine temperature monitoring is recommended for samples to be tested for medicolegal purposes.
Storage Instructions
	Maintain specimen at room temperature unless arrival at the laboratory will extend beyond 7 days. If arrival extends beyond 7 days, then refrigerate.
Use
	Evaluate drug abuse; assess toxicity
Methodology
	Initial testing by immunoassay; confirmation of positives by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). See drug profiles for multidrug testing.
Additional Information
	A positive test for cannabinoids indicates the presence of cannabinoid metabolites, 11-nor-9-carboxy-delta-9-THC is the major one (carboxy THC), in urine but is not related to source, time of exposure, amount, or impairment. Unless the test is confirmed by GC/MS, a positive result is presumptive and an unconfirmed test should not be used in workplace drug testing programs. Urine may contain carboxy THC for a week or 10 days after light or moderate use and as long as a month to 6 weeks after heavy use. Rapid storage of THC metabolites in body fat occurs after use. These substances are then released from storage sites slowly over time. A marijuana cigarette is made from the dried leaves of the plant, Cannabis sativa. The immediate effects of smoking marijuana include a faster heartbeat and pulse rate, bloodshot eyes, and a dry mouth and throat. The drug can impair or reduce short-term memory, alter sense of time, and reduce the ability to do things which require concentration, swift reactions and coordination, such as driving and operating machinery. Driving experiments show that marijuana affects a wide range of skills needed for safe driving. Thinking and reflexes are slowed, making it hard for drivers to respond to sudden unexpected events. Furthermore, a driver's ability to “track” through curves, brake quickly, and maintain speed and proper distance between vehicles is affected. Research shows that these skills are impaired for at least 4-6 hours after smoking a single marijuana cigarette. If a driver drinks alcohol along with using marijuana, the risks of an accident greatly increase.
References
	Chiang CN and Barnett G, “Marijuana Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics,” Cocaine, Marijuana, Designer Drugs: Chemistry, Pharmacology and Behavior, Redda KK, Walker CA, and Barnell G, eds, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1989, 113-26. ElSohly MA and ElSohly HN, “Marijuana: Analysis and Detection of Use Through Urinalysis,” Cocaine, Marijuana, Designer Drugs: Chemistry, Pharmacology and Behavior, Redda KK, Walker CA, and Barnett G, eds, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1989, 145-62. Hawks RL and Chiang CN, “Examples of Specific Drug Assays: Marijuana/Cannabinoids,” Urine Testing for Drugs of Abuse, NIDA Research Monograph 73, Rockville, MD, 1986, 85-92. Hollister LE, “Health Aspects of Cannabis,” Pharmacol Rev, 1986, 38(1):1-20. Mason AP and McBay AJ, “Cannabis: Pharmacology and Interpretation of Effects,” J Forensic Sci, 1985, 30(3):615-31. Morland J, Bugge A, Skuterud B, et al, “Cannabinoids in Blood and Urine After Passive Inhalation of Cannabis Smoke,” J Forensic Sci, 1985, 30(4):997-1002. Schucket MA, “Cannabinols,” Drug and Alcohol Abuse, New York, NY: Plenum, 1989, 143-57. Wells DJ and Barnhill MT Jr, “Comparative Results With Five Cannabinoid Immunoassay Systems at the Screening Threshold of 100 Micrograms/L,” Clin Chem, 1989, 35(11):2241-3. Zuckerman B, Frank DA, Hingson R, et al, “Effects of Maternal Marijuana and Cocaine Use on Fetal Growth,” N Engl J Med, 1989, 320(12):762-8.