Test Directory

Test Code
BHCOD
Test Name
Hydrocodone, Quantitative, Whole Blood
CPT Codes
AMA 80361, CMS G0480
Expected Turnaround Time
5 - 7 days
Clinical Utility

Useful in determining the use or abuse of Hydrocodone or to assess toxicity. 

Testing includes identification and quantitation of: 

  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone (Hydrocodone Metabolite)
Specimen and Container Info

Specimen

Container

Volume

Whole Blood

Grey Top* (Sodium Fluoride, Potassium Oxalate)

3 mL

Whole Blood

Dark Green Top (Lithium Heparin)

3 mL

Whole Blood

Lavender Top (EDTA)

3 mL

Serum

Red Top, Plain

1 mL

*Preferred Specimen

Processing and Submission Instructions

 For forensic or legal purposes, submit specimen in a plastic evidence bag with a Chain-of-Custody Form. 

Transport Instructions

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated. 

Causes for Rejection

Specimens collected in separator tubes will be rejected.   

Methodology
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reference Intervals

Analyte

Therapeutic Range (ng/mL)

Hydrocodone

30 - 250

Hydromorphone

8 - 50

 

Limitations

Analyte

Reporting Limit (ng/mL)

Hydrocodone

5

Hydromorphone

5

Performing Location
Roble Road Core Laboratory
Alternate Names
  • Vicodin
  • Lorcet
  • Zamicet
  • Xodol
  • Vicoprofen
  • Hydrocodone
  • Dilaudid
  • Exalgo
  • Palladone
  • Hydromorphone
Testing Schedule
Routine, 2 times per week