Cannabinoid Screen and Confirmation (Urine)

Does this test have other names?

Marijuana screen, drug abuse screening test, DAST, marijuana drug test (urine), drug abuse test 

What is this test?

This is a two-part urine test to look for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. The test can find out whether THC or chemical breakdown products of marijuana called metabolites are in your urine. The test is considered quite accurate. You may have to do the urine test in a doctor's office or with a technician present.

Why do I need this test?

You might have this test as a requirement before being hired for a job. You might also have this test if you are showing signs of drug abuse. Your health care provider may also give you this test to monitor drug abuse treatment and to quickly look for any signs of relapse. Regular testing may help you recover from drug abuse more successfully.  

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Your doctor may also order tests on samples of your hair, saliva, or blood.

What do my test results mean?

Many things may affect your lab test results. These include the method each lab uses to do the test.  To learn what the results mean for you, talk with your health care provider.

A positive result can mean recent and past marijuana use. The urine marijuana test will be positive if the amount of THC in the sample is more than 50 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). This is called the cut-off level. If you use marijuana but your test is negative, it could be because your THC levels are below this level. A confirmation test can be done by a more sensitive method if the screening test is positive. Confirmation tests are done to be certain that the original test result is a true result and not caused by a medication or other substance interfering with the test.

Urine tests can't pinpoint the exact day or hour that marijuana was last used because THC can stay in your system even after you've stopped using marijuana. THC can linger on average up to 10 days for a casual user, two to four weeks for a people who use marijuana often, and more than a month for people who use more frequently.

How is this test done?

This test requires a urine sample. You may need to give the sample with a medical staff or technician in the room. 

Does this test pose any risks?

This test poses no known risks.

What might affect my test results?

The nausea drug dronabinol (Marinol) gives positive test results. Tell your doctor if you've been taking it.   

How do I get ready for this test?

You don't need to prepare for this test. Be sure your doctor knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illicit drugs you may use