Dissociatives, adulterants and exposure markers

Does a drug test detect THC?

Yes. THC is one of the 76 compounds in the LabX LC-MS/MS confirmation panel, reported as detected at or above 100 ng/mL. The urine version of the LabX 12-panel screen includes a THC line; the fingerstick blood version does not. Laboratory confirmation measures the cannabis marker specifically.

100 ng/mLLaboratory cut-off
100–10,000 ng/mLReportable range
3-30 daysApprox. window (varies)
LC-MS/MSConfirmation method

What is THC?

THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. Laboratories typically measure THC-COOH, an inactive metabolite that is stored in fat and released slowly; our report lists this line as THC.

Also known as or found in: marijuana, THC-COOH.

Medical use

Prescription medicines containing THC or a synthetic version (such as dronabinol) are approved for certain conditions, and many states have medical cannabis programs. Some hemp and CBD products can contain THC.

How LabX tests for THC

THC is measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which separates the compounds in a sample and identifies each one by its mass. That is different from a rapid screen, which reacts to a family of drugs and can occasionally react to a related substance. The laboratory reports THC as detected when its concentration is at or above the cut-off of 100 ng/mL, within a reportable range of 100–10,000 ng/mL. It is one of 6 compounds in the dissociatives, adulterants and exposure markers family on the 76-drug confirmation panel.

Detection window

The laboratory's confirmation report lists an approximate detection window of 3-30 days for THC. Treat that as a rough guide only: how long any compound stays measurable varies with the amount taken, how often it is used, body composition, metabolism, kidney and liver function, and hydration. A laboratory result cannot be used to work out when a substance was taken.

Screen versus confirmation

The urine version of the LabX 12-panel screen includes a THC line; the fingerstick blood version does not. Laboratory confirmation measures the cannabis marker specifically.

Worth knowing

Because the metabolite is stored in fat, a result can reflect exposure well before the test and does not indicate impairment at the time of collection.

About this drug family

Dissociative drugs, the street-supply adulterant xylazine, and markers of cannabis and alcohol exposure.

Common questions

Does a drug test detect THC?

Yes. THC is one of the 76 compounds in the LabX LC-MS/MS confirmation panel, reported as detected at or above 100 ng/mL. The urine version of the LabX 12-panel screen includes a THC line; the fingerstick blood version does not. Laboratory confirmation measures the cannabis marker specifically.

What is the laboratory cut-off for THC?

LabX reports THC as detected at or above 100 ng/mL, and the method's reportable range is 100–10,000 ng/mL. A result below the cut-off is reported as not detected; it does not prove none was present.

How long can THC be detected?

The laboratory lists an approximate window of 3-30 days, but it varies with dose, frequency of use, metabolism and hydration, and cannot be used to tell when something was taken.

Can a 12-panel drug screen detect THC?

The urine version of the LabX 12-panel screen includes a THC line; the fingerstick blood version does not. Laboratory confirmation measures the cannabis marker specifically.

Is THC a prescription medicine?

Prescription medicines containing THC or a synthetic version (such as dronabinol) are approved for certain conditions, and many states have medical cannabis programs. Some hemp and CBD products can contain THC.

Related compounds

Terms on this page: metabolite Β· cut-off Β· detection window Β· presumptive result Β· confirmation test. More questions: LabX answers.

Test for THC and 75 other compounds

12-panel urine $89 or fingerstick blood $99, plus the 76-drug LC-MS/MS confirmation for +$89.

At-home drug tests and test kits are not currently available to addresses in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island or California. Results are not a diagnosis β€” review them with a licensed physician.

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Talk to a licensed physician. LabX Diagnostics and Vantage provide laboratory testing only. The information on this page is educational and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider about test results, symptoms or medicines, and before making any health decision. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911. Read our medical disclaimer.

Medical disclaimer. LabX Diagnostics and Vantage provide laboratory testing only. Test results and information on this site are for informational purposes and are not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider about your results and before making any health decision. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911. Read the full disclaimer.

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