11-nor-Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-9-Carboxylic Acid (Carboxy-THC) Confirmation, Meconium
Use
This test is clinically useful for detecting in utero drug exposure to marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol) up to 5 months before birth. Cannabinoids, including THC, cross the placenta, and their presence in meconium indicates drug exposure during pregnancy. Meconium represents a longer exposure window compared to urinalysis, reflecting exposure in the final 4 to 5 months of pregnancy due to its formation timeline in the fetal gastrointestinal tract.
Special Instructions
For chain-of-custody testing, order THCMX / 11-nor-Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol-9-Carboxylic Acid (Carboxy-THC) Confirmation, Chain of Custody, Meconium. If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.
Limitations
The presence of 11-nor-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic acid at concentrations equal to or greater than 5 ng/g in meconium is indicative of in utero drug exposure. However, there is no established dose-response relationship between marijuana use amount during pregnancy and cannabinoid levels in meconium. The test's results should not be used in isolation to determine drug exposure without considering the entire clinical context, including maternal interview and other investigative results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 69007-3
- 69007-3
- 69050-3
- 77202-0
Result Turnaround Time
2-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
1 g
Minimum Volume
0.3 g
Container
Stool container
Collection Instructions
Collect entire random meconium specimen. Use Stool container, Small (Random), 4 oz (T288).
Causes for Rejection
Grossly bloody specimens are rejected, but pink specimens are ok. Stool in diapers is rejected.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 21 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |