Interpretative Information

Use to detect in-utero exposure to cannabis (marijuana) in neonates that is consistent with maternal use during approximately the last trimester of pregnancy. This test does not distinguish between the delta-8 and delta-9 forms of THC or their metabolites.

This test is designed to detect and document exposure that occurred during approximately the last trimester of a full term pregnancy, to a common cannabis (marijuana) metabolite.  Alternative testing is available to detect other drug exposures.  The pattern and frequency of drug(s) used by the mother cannot be determined by this test. A negative result does not exclude the possibility that a mother used drugs during pregnancy. Detection of drugs in umbilical cord tissue depends on extent of maternal drug use, as well as drug stability, unique characteristics of drug deposition in umbilical cord tissue, and the performance of the analytical method. Drugs administered during labor and delivery may be detected. Detection of drugs in umbilical cord tissue does not insinuate impairment and may not affect outcomes for the infant. Interpretive questions should be directed to the laboratory.