LabCorp encourages the use of an independent Medical Review Offi cer (MRO) to review all non-negative test results. The following are to be used as general guidelines only. Many variables may affect duration of detectability, such as drug metabolism and half-life, subject’s physical condition, fl uid balance and state of hydration, and route and frequency of ingestion.
Drugs of Abuse Reference Guide
Specimen Validity Testing
Validity Marker Commercial Product Method of introduction to urine Mode of actionCreatinine N/A In vivo, or in vitro, this substance is Creatinine is excreted from the body at a constant rate and there are always present in urine but is used to expected values for creatinine in urine. When abnormally large quantities indicate dilute or substituted specimens. of fl uids are consumed (in vivo) the urine becomes dilute and the creatinine levels are substantially reduced, as well as other urine constituents including drugs and their metabolites. Alternately, a donor may try to beat a test by adding water to the urine cup (in vitro) to dilute the drug level. Creatinine levels are used in conjunction with a specifi c gravity determination to identify the specimen as dilute or substituted.
Nitrites Klear, Whizzies In vitro, donor adds potassium nitrite Nitrites are also oxidizing agents that attach the drug molecules when to urine in collection cup. present at high concentrations. The key effect of nitrites is, when present, they will interfere with the GC/MS confi rmation of a cannabinoid positive.
pH N/A In vivo by ingestion of materials that would The pH of the sample may infl uence enzymatic test methods used in drug change the urinary pH outside of a normal screening. An extreme pH, either very high (>11) or very low (<3) range (next to impossible) or in vitro, where may depress the enzyme rate. Another infl uence is that extreme pH the donor adds a substance to the urine to conditions may adversely affect the stability of the drug being tested, and modify the pH of the specimen dramatically. the drug may not be detectable during retest or confi rmation.
Specifi c Gravity N/A In vivo, donor consumes large quantities of Normal urine has an expected range of specifi c gravity values. When liquids or in vitro, the donor adds something donors consume large quantities of liquids to dilute their urine, their urine to the urine in the cup. specifi c gravity may dip to low levels.
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References:1. Baer DM, Paulson RA, Williams RH. Cut-off and toxicity levels for drugs-of-abuse testing. Clin Lab Ref. 2006-2007 Aug; (MLO Suppl): 12-13.2. Dade Behring. Drug Perspectives. Available at http://www.drugperspectives.com. Accessed October 11, 2006.3. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Drug Information: Narcotic Analgesics for Pain Relief (systemic). Available at https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/print/druginfo/uspdi/202390.html. Accessed October 11, 2006.
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LabCorp LabCorp Standard Standard GC/MS Screening Confi rmation Drug Cut-off Level Cut-off Level Detection Time in Urine
StimulantsAmphetamine 1000 ng/mL 500 ng/mL 1 to 2 days2
Also known as: speedPharmaceutical names:1 Dexedrine, Benzedrine
Methamphetamine 1000 ng/mL 500 ng/mL 1 to 2 days2
Also known as: speed, ice, crystal, crankPharmaceutical names:1 Desoxyn, Methedrine
MDMA (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) 500 ng/mL 250 ng/mL 1 to 2 days2
Also known as: ecstasy, XTC, ADAM, lover’s speed
Cocaine 300 ng/mL 150 ng/mL 2 to 4 days2
Also known as: co*ke, crack, rock cocaine Hallucinogens
Marijuana/Cannabinoids 50 ng/mL 15 ng/mL Single use: 2 to 7 days1 Also known as: dope, weed, hemp, hash, Colombian, sinsemilla Prolonged use: 1 to 2 months1
Pharmaceutical name:2 Marinol Phencyclidine 25 ng/mL 25 ng/mL 14 days2
Also known as: PCP, angel dust up to 30 days in chronic users2
Narcotics/Analgesics/OpiatesCodeine 2000 ng/mL 2000 ng/mL 2 days2
Morphine and/or Heroin 2000 ng/mL 2000 ng/mL 2 days2
Heroin also known as: smack, tar, chasing the tiger Pharmaceutical names: Duramorph1, Roxanol3
Methadone 300 ng/mL 300 ng/mL 3 days2
Also known as: fi zziesPharmaceutical names:1 Amidone, Dolophine
Propoxyphene 300 ng/mL 300 ng/mL 6 hours to 2 days2
Pharmaceutical names:1,2 Darvon, Darvocet, Novopropoxyn Depressants/Sedatives/Hypnotics
Barbiturates 200 ng/mL 200 ng/mL Short acting: 2 days1
Also known as: downers, barbs, goof balls, reds, yellow jackets Long acting: 1 to 3 weeks1
Pharmaceutical names:1,2 Amobarbital (Amytal), Butalbital (Fiorinal),Pentobarbital (Nembutal), Phenobarbital (Donnatal), Secobarbital (Seconal) Benzodiazepines 200 ng/mL 200 ng/mL Therapeutic dose: 3 days2
Also know as: bennies Extended dosage or chronic use (1 or more years): Pharmaceutical names:1,2 Diazepam (Valium), Oxazepam (Serax), 4 to 6 weeks2
Chlordiazepoxide (Librium), Alprazolam (Xanax), Chlorazepate (Tranxene), Temazepam (Restoril)
Ethyl Alcohol 0.02% (20 mg/dL) 0.02% (20 mg/dL) In urine: 1 to 12 hours2
Also know as: liqour, distilled spirits, beer, wine, booze, hooch In serum and plasma: 1 to 12 hours2 Pharmaceutical names: Ethanol
