Mountain West · Opiate Screen, Blood
Opiate Screen, Blood in Colorado
Opiate Screen, Blood can be ordered without a referral from your own doctor, and this guide covers what to expect. An opiate screen, blood test checks for the presence of opiate drugs in a blood sample. It is typically used in medical or emergency settings to help evaluate recent exposure.
Lab requirements in Colorado
Here is what you need before ordering and completing the Opiate Screen, Blood in CO. Review each item and confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Physician's order
- Included. A physician's order is required for lab testing and is provided for you by our partner's physicians — no referral from your own doctor is needed.
- Fasting
- Some tests require fasting or avoiding certain foods or drinks beforehand. You will be informed when you order — confirm the details with the collection lab.
- Preparation
- No special preparation is usually required, but you should follow the instructions provided by the collection lab. Tell the lab about any medications you take, as some can affect test…
- Sample & visit
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Identification
- Bring the lab requisition form from your account. The collection lab may also ask for a government-issued photo ID.
- Turnaround
- 1-3 business days
- Availability
- Our partner lab does not serve ND, RI, NY, NJ, MD or HI. Confirm availability for your location with the collection lab.
Before you go
- Order your test before visiting a lab, then use the requisition form in your account.
- Print the requisition form, or fax it to the lab directly from your account.
- No scheduling is needed — visit the collection lab during its normal business hours.
- A blood and/or urine sample is collected; the visit usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Bring a government-issued photo ID in case the lab requests it.
- Results are posted to your secure account within 1–3 business days.
Requirements are summarized from our partner lab's published policies. Preparation and availability can change — confirm current instructions with the collection lab before your visit.
What this test is
This test detects opiates or their breakdown products in the bloodstream. It is a screening test, so a positive result may need confirmation with a more specific method. It does not measure how much of a drug is present or how impaired a person may be.
What it measures
- Opiates — Detects the presence of natural or semi-synthetic opioids such as morphine or codeine.
- Synthetic opioids — Some screens may also detect synthetic opioids like fentanyl, but this varies by test.
- Drug metabolites — Breakdown products of opiates that can remain in the blood for a short time after use.
What the test involves
A healthcare professional collects a blood sample by inserting a needle into a vein, usually in the arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why it is often ordered
A clinician may order this test when someone has symptoms that could be related to opiate use, such as extreme drowsiness or slowed breathing. It can also be part of a broader evaluation in an emergency or hospital setting.
Preparation
No special preparation is usually required, but you should follow the instructions provided by the collection lab. Tell the lab about any medications you take, as some can affect test results.
How results are reported
Results are reported as positive or negative, and sometimes with a preliminary level. Reference ranges and cutoff values vary by laboratory, so your result should be interpreted by a clinician in the context of your health.
Before you go
- Whether any medications you take could affect the test
- The specific opiates included in the screen
- How and when you will receive your results
Cities
Opiate Screen, Blood in Colorado communities
Choose your city for local context and to order this test.