SAMHSA cutoff levels

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides guidelines and cutoff levels for drug testing in the United States.

SAMHSA cutoff levels determine the minimum concentrations of drugs or their metabolites that must be present in a urine sample to be considered a positive result. It’s important to note that cutoff levels can vary depending on the specific drug testing method and the context in which the test is being conducted.

Here are the commonly used SAMHSA cutoff levels for some drugs in urine drug testing:

1. Amphetamines (including methamphetamine): 500 ng/mL
2. Barbiturates: 200 ng/mL
3. Benzodiazepines: 200 ng/mL
4. Cocaine: 150 ng/mL
5. Marijuana (THC): 50 ng/mL
6. Methadone: 300 ng/mL
7. Opiates (including codeine, morphine, and heroin): 2000 ng/mL
8. Phencyclidine (PCP): 25 ng/mL

These are general guidelines, but it’s worth noting that different organizations or testing facilities may have their own specific cutoff levels that could deviate slightly from SAMHSA guidelines.

It’s important to consult with the specific drug testing facility or organization for the most accurate and up-to-date information on cutoff levels, as they may have variations or additional substances included in their testing panels.

SAMHSA drug test

SAMHSA’s guidelines include criteria such as specimen collection, laboratory procedures, cutoff levels for drug detection, and result reporting. These guidelines help establish a standardized approach to drug testing across different organizations and industries.

Here are some key points covered by SAMHSA’s guidelines for urine drug testing:

1. Specimen collection: The guidelines specify the collection procedures to ensure integrity, privacy, and prevent adulteration or substitution of urine samples.
2. Drug panels: SAMHSA provides recommendations for the drugs to be included in the testing panel. The commonly used panels include 6-panel, 8-panel, 10-panel, and 12-panel tests, which screen for different classes of drugs.
3. Cutoff levels: SAMHSA provides cutoff levels for various drugs or their metabolites in urine samples. These cutoff levels define the minimum concentration required for a positive result.
4. Laboratory procedures: The guidelines outline the laboratory protocols for sample handling, testing methodology, confirmation testing, quality control, and result reporting.

It’s important to note that while SAMHSA’s guidelines are widely followed, organizations and testing facilities may have variations in their drug testing policies and may choose to adopt different cutoff levels or additional substances in their testing panels.

If you have specific questions or concerns related to drug testing, it’s advisable to consult with the testing facility, organization, or a healthcare professional familiar with the specific guidelines and requirements applicable in your situation.