THC Metabolite, Serum or Plasma, Quantitative
Ordering Recommendation
Use to detect exposure to cannabinoids. This test does not distinguish between the delta-8 and delta-9 forms of THC or their metabolites.
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
Gray (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate). Also acceptable: Plain red, green (sodium heparin), lavender (EDTA), or pink (K2EDTA).
Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP standard transport tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)
Refrigerated.
Separator tubes. Plasma or whole blood collected in light blue (sodium citrate). Specimens exposed to repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
After separation from cells: Ambient: 1 week; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 3 years
Methodology
Quantitative Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Performed
Sun, Tue, Thu, Fri
Reported
1-5 days
Reference Interval
Effective August 17, 2015
Drugs Covered | Cutoff Concentrations |
11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC | 5 ng/mL |
Interpretive Data
Methodology: Quantitative Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Positive cutoff: 5 ng/mL
For medical purposes only; not valid for forensic use.
The drug analyte detected in this assay, 9-carboxy THC, is a metabolite of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Detection of 9-carboxy THC suggests use of, or exposure to, a product containing THC. This test cannot distinguish between prescribed or nonprescribed forms of THC, nor can it distinguish between active or passive use. The plasma half-life for 9-carboxy THC metabolite is estimated to range from 4-12 hours.
Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)
Note
Hotline History
Hotline History
CPT Codes
80349 (Alt code: G0480)
Components
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0090671 | 11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC, S/P, Quant | 8170-3 |
Aliases
- 9-Carboxy-THC
- Cannabinoids
- Cannabis
- Dronabinol
- Marijuana
- Marinol
- Pain Management
- THC