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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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
This urine test detects delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol metabolite (THC-COOH), the primary breakdown product the body produces after processing THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. A positive result indicates that THC has been present in the body at some point within the detection window but does not identify the route of exposure (smoked, edible, topical), the timing of a specific use, the dose consumed, or whether the exposure was intentional.
The detection window for THC metabolites varies more widely than for most other substances because THC is fat-soluble and accumulates in adipose tissue with repeated use. A single or infrequent use may be detectable for a few days, while chronic heavy use can produce positive results for a month or longer after the last exposure. The test uses established cutoff concentrations to differentiate a positive result from a negative one, which helps prevent false positives from secondhand or passive exposure at typical environmental levels.
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
The initial screening provides a qualitative positive or negative result based on whether THC metabolite concentration exceeds the cutoff threshold. Federal workplace testing programs typically use a screening cutoff of 50 ng/mL, with confirmatory testing at 15 ng/mL using a more specific analytical method. A positive screening result triggers automatic confirmatory testing to verify the finding. The confirmatory test also provides a quantitative measurement of the THC metabolite level detected, though this number reflects cumulative metabolite accumulation rather than a specific dose or recency of use.
| 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
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Last reviewed: April 2026
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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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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