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Buprenorphine Screen, Urine
MessageTesting performed at BUMCP, NCMC, MMC, BGMC and BBWMC
All other AZ Locations – Sent STAT to BUMCP if ordered ST/ES
All other AZ Locations – Sent STAT to BUMCP if ordered ST/ES
Test Code
BUPSCUR
CPT Codes
80307
Includes
Buprenorphine screen by IA
Preferred Specimen
10 mL random urine
Minimum Volume
1 mL random urine
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Setup Schedule
7 days per week
Report Available
1-4 hours from receipt at performing Laboratory
Clinical Significance
Buprenorphine is a semi‑synthetic opioid derived from thebaine, an alkaloid of the poppy plant, Papaver somniferum. It is an
analgesic often used as a substitution treatment for heroin addiction or opiate dependence. Buprenorphine structurally resembles
morphine but has both antagonist and agonist properties. As an opioid partial agonist, buprenorphine can produce typical opioid
effects and side effects such as euphoria and respiratory depression. However, its maximal effects are less than those of full agonists
like heroin and methadone. At low doses, buprenorphine produces sufficient agonist effects to enable opioid-addicted individuals to
discontinue the misuse of opioids without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The agonist effects of buprenorphine increase
linearly with increasing doses of the drug until they reach a plateau and no longer continue to increase with further increases in
dosage. Buprenorphine also acts as an antagonist, blocking other opioids, while allowing for some opioid effect of its own to
suppress withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Buprenorphine is metabolized in the human liver by N‑dealkylation to the
pharmacologically active norbuprenorphine, which, along with the parent compound, is conjugated with glucuronic acid5, and
excreted in urine. Clearance rates are dependent on many factors, such as frequency of drug use, the amount of drug taken,
metabolism rates, and even body fat content. For typical opioid‑dependent patients who received a stable daily sublingual dose of
16 mg of buprenorphine and 4 mg of naloxone for at least 2 weeks, 24‑hour urinary elimination is approximately 11 % of daily dose.
Therapeutically, buprenorphine is as effective as methadone but exhibits a much lower level of physical dependence. However,
studies have shown that buprenorphine has abuse potential and may itself cause dependency.
analgesic often used as a substitution treatment for heroin addiction or opiate dependence. Buprenorphine structurally resembles
morphine but has both antagonist and agonist properties. As an opioid partial agonist, buprenorphine can produce typical opioid
effects and side effects such as euphoria and respiratory depression. However, its maximal effects are less than those of full agonists
like heroin and methadone. At low doses, buprenorphine produces sufficient agonist effects to enable opioid-addicted individuals to
discontinue the misuse of opioids without experiencing withdrawal symptoms. The agonist effects of buprenorphine increase
linearly with increasing doses of the drug until they reach a plateau and no longer continue to increase with further increases in
dosage. Buprenorphine also acts as an antagonist, blocking other opioids, while allowing for some opioid effect of its own to
suppress withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Buprenorphine is metabolized in the human liver by N‑dealkylation to the
pharmacologically active norbuprenorphine, which, along with the parent compound, is conjugated with glucuronic acid5, and
excreted in urine. Clearance rates are dependent on many factors, such as frequency of drug use, the amount of drug taken,
metabolism rates, and even body fat content. For typical opioid‑dependent patients who received a stable daily sublingual dose of
16 mg of buprenorphine and 4 mg of naloxone for at least 2 weeks, 24‑hour urinary elimination is approximately 11 % of daily dose.
Therapeutically, buprenorphine is as effective as methadone but exhibits a much lower level of physical dependence. However,
studies have shown that buprenorphine has abuse potential and may itself cause dependency.
Performing Laboratory
Banner University Medical Center- Phoenix
Banner Boswell Medical Center
North Colorado Medical Center
McKee Medical Center
