Resources

Drug Monitoring, Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS), Qualitative, Urine

Test Code
NPSQU


CPT Codes
80347, 80352, 80354, 80364, 80371, 80376 (HCPCS: G0480)

Includes
Designer Benzodiazepines
Designer Fentanyl Analogs
Designer Opioids
Designer Stimulants
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Other Illicit Additives

NPS Comments will be automatically added


Preferred Specimen
3 mL urine collected in a plastic urine container


Minimum Volume
2 mL


Transport Container
Plastic urine container


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Preserved samples


Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (MS)

Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 1-3 days


Report Available
Report available in 1-3 days; allow two (2) days for transport to the performing laboratory.


Reference Range
Designer Benzodiazepines<10 ng/mL
Designer Fentanyl Analogs<10 ng/mL
Designer Opioids<10 ng/mL
Designer Stimulants<10 ng/mL
Synthetic Cannabinoids<10 ng/mL
Other Illicit Additives<20 ng/mL


Clinical Significance
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are compounds designed to mimic the effects of prescription drugs, evade detection by typical drug testing methodologies, and avoid regulation. NPS can also be referred to as legal highs, Spice, Benzo Dope, Tranq Dope, or in products labelled "not for human use". NPS markets rapidly change in response to regulation from national and international agencies. These drugs are not typically detected by presumptive, immunoassay point-of-care or desktop analyzer drug tests. NPS may potentiate drug interactions with prescription medications, leading to unintended overdoses. Individuals may be exposed to illicit fentanyl or analogs, designer opioids, stimulants, and benzodiazepines, or xylazine, knowingly, or unknowingly through counterfeit prescription drugs intended to mimic common drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, and alprazolam, among others. Updates and enhancements to our tested drug list are made from time to time based on surveillance data from the Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) and clinical patient trends. A complete and up to date list of the analytes contained in each drug class can be found at the bottom of each report and in our online FAQ.


Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
14225 Newbrook Drive
Chantilly, VA 20153



Last Updated: November 15, 2024


The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.