Fentanyl and novel opioids

Does a drug test detect Fentanyl?

Yes. Fentanyl is one of the 76 compounds in the LabX LC-MS/MS confirmation panel, reported as detected at or above 2 ng/mL. The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Fentanyl line designed to pick up Fentanyl. A screen is presumptive; adding laboratory confirmation identifies Fentanyl specifically.

2 ng/mLLaboratory cut-off
2–400 ng/mLReportable range
1-4 daysApprox. window (varies)
LC-MS/MSConfirmation method

What is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is far more potent by weight than morphine. It is used in medicine and is also widespread in the illicit drug supply, where it can be present in pills or powders without the user knowing.

Also known as or found in: Duragesic.

Medical use

Fentanyl is prescribed as skin patches, injections and some fast-acting forms for severe pain, and it is widely used in anesthesia.

How LabX tests for Fentanyl

Fentanyl is measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which separates the compounds in a sample and identifies each one by its mass. That is different from a rapid screen, which reacts to a family of drugs and can occasionally react to a related substance. The laboratory reports Fentanyl as detected when its concentration is at or above the cut-off of 2 ng/mL, within a reportable range of 2–400 ng/mL. It is one of 4 compounds in the fentanyl and novel opioids family on the 76-drug confirmation panel.

Detection window

The laboratory's confirmation report lists an approximate detection window of 1-4 days for Fentanyl. Treat that as a rough guide only: how long any compound stays measurable varies with the amount taken, how often it is used, body composition, metabolism, kidney and liver function, and hydration. A laboratory result cannot be used to work out when a substance was taken.

Screen versus confirmation

The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Fentanyl line designed to pick up Fentanyl. A screen is presumptive; adding laboratory confirmation identifies Fentanyl specifically.

Worth knowing

Because doses are so small, fentanyl is measured at very low concentrations. Our confirmation reports fentanyl and its metabolite norfentanyl separately, and fentanyl also has its own line on our 12-panel screen.

About this drug family

Fentanyl and its metabolite, plus the main alkaloids in kratom. These are not reliably found by general opiate screens, which is why confirmation measures them directly.

Common questions

Does a drug test detect Fentanyl?

Yes. Fentanyl is one of the 76 compounds in the LabX LC-MS/MS confirmation panel, reported as detected at or above 2 ng/mL. The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Fentanyl line designed to pick up Fentanyl. A screen is presumptive; adding laboratory confirmation identifies Fentanyl specifically.

What is the laboratory cut-off for Fentanyl?

LabX reports Fentanyl as detected at or above 2 ng/mL, and the method's reportable range is 2–400 ng/mL. A result below the cut-off is reported as not detected; it does not prove none was present.

How long can Fentanyl be detected?

The laboratory lists an approximate window of 1-4 days, but it varies with dose, frequency of use, metabolism and hydration, and cannot be used to tell when something was taken.

Can a 12-panel drug screen detect Fentanyl?

The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Fentanyl line designed to pick up Fentanyl. A screen is presumptive; adding laboratory confirmation identifies Fentanyl specifically.

Is Fentanyl a prescription medicine?

Fentanyl is prescribed as skin patches, injections and some fast-acting forms for severe pain, and it is widely used in anesthesia.

Related compounds

Terms on this page: metabolite Β· cut-off Β· detection window Β· presumptive result Β· confirmation test. More questions: LabX answers.

Test for Fentanyl and 75 other compounds

12-panel urine $89 or fingerstick blood $99, plus the 76-drug LC-MS/MS confirmation for +$89.

At-home drug tests and test kits are not currently available to addresses in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island or California. Results are not a diagnosis β€” review them with a licensed physician.

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Talk to a licensed physician. LabX Diagnostics and Vantage provide laboratory testing only. The information on this page is educational and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider about test results, symptoms or medicines, and before making any health decision. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911. Read our medical disclaimer.

Medical disclaimer. LabX Diagnostics and Vantage provide laboratory testing only. Test results and information on this site are for informational purposes and are not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider about your results and before making any health decision. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911. Read the full disclaimer.

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