Cannabinoids Screen, Random Urine

Clinical Utility

The principal active agent in marijuana and/or hashish that produces hallucinogenic and other biological effects is generally accepted to be Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Δ9-THC is rapidly absorbed and almost completely metabolized by inhalation or through the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma levels of Δ9-THC occur within 10 minutes of inhalation and approximately 1 hour after ingestion. About 70% of a THC dose is excreted within 72 hours with 30% in urine and 40% in feces. In chronic users, THC may accumulate in fatty tissue faster than it can be excreted. This leads to longer detection times in urine for chronic users than for occasional users.
(Source: Architect Cannabinoids kit insert August 2016)

Method

Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)

Analytical Platform

Abbott Architect

Method Description

The homogeneous enzyme immunoassay uses monoclonal antibodies that detect the major metabolite of Δ9-THC in urine. The assay is based on the competition between an enzyme labeled drug and the drug from the urine for a fixed number of specific antibody binding sites. In the absence of drug from the sample, the specific antibody binds to the drug labeled with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and the enzyme activity is inhibited. This phenomenon creates a direct relationship between the drug concentration in the urine and the enzyme activity. The G6PDH enzyme activity is determined spectrophotometrically by measuring its ability to convert nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to NADH.
(Source: Architect Cannabinoids kit insert August 2016)

Result Included

Creatinine; Cannabinoid Screen

Aliases/Synonyms

THC Screen; THC and metabolites Screen; Cannabis

Turnaround Time

2 days

Results

Referral Location

Canada

Last Updated

2019-11-27