Most probably, the marijuana will not be revealed in the results of blood tests during a doctor visit. Cannabis use tests usually seek a metabolite of THC in your system. Your doctor will not test to determine drug use in a regular blood test unless they believe that your symptoms are similar to those of a specific drug.
What Can Blood Tests Indicate?
A blood test does not scan all the compounds in the blood, as many people would assume. When you visit the doctor and undergo a blood test, they will listen to your symptoms and consider potential causes. When they order a blood test, they will investigate specific tests that can explain their condition. The blood tests themselves cost money and demand a distinct sample, and it would not make sense to test every possible outcome when one of them would simply describe your symptoms. Consequently, unless you experience symptoms because of using marijuana, your doctor will not test you. Nevertheless, medical diagnosis is not the only reason for a blood test; other tests specifically target drug use.
Most Common Types of Blood Tests
Blood tests come in a wide variety, but the most commonly ordered ones are the following:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count is an examination of the contents of various blood cells, including:
- Red blood cells.
These are the blood-carrying cells that carry oxygen. The count of red blood cells indicates the extent to which an individual is hydrated and whether they are experiencing anemia or a bleeding disorder. - White blood cells
These are the immune system cells. The number of white blood cells is a sign of an infection, cancer, or immune disorder in a patient. - Platelets
Platelets play a crucial role in the blood clotting process, helping to resist excessive blood loss during bleeding. Elevated levels may indicate a clotting disorder, whereas low levels may suggest a bleeding disorder. - Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is a red blood cell protein that aids in the transportation of air. The association between the count of red blood cells and the level of hemoglobin provides details on the nature of anemia one may experience. - Hematocrit
Hematocrit measures the volume of space occupied by red blood cells, and it can also provide more specific evidence on hydration and possible anemia. - Mean cell volume
Mean cell volume refers to the average size of the red blood cells. Similar to hemoglobin or hematocrit, this provides additional information about the type of anemia one may have.
Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)
A BMP consists of blood sugar, electrolytes, and organ functioning tests. The outcomes of a BMP show the current workings of an organ.
Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP)
A CMP has all the same tests as a BMP and tests proteins to reflect the liver functioning, including albumin, total protein, ALP, ALT, AST, and bilirubin.
Thyroid Function Test
The thyroid function test determines the level of T3, T4, and TSH in the blood. The hormones can be used to identify whether a person has a protein deficiency or thyroid disease or has imbalanced testosterone or estrogen levels.
Blood Enzyme Tests
Enzyme blood tests are frequently ordered at the hospital to determine whether a person who has just had severe chest pains suffered a heart attack. That enables clinicians to determine whether additional testing of the damage of the heart is necessary.
Lipid Panel
A lipid panel blood test is a test that determines the cholesterol concentration and the level of triglyceride. It is meant to quantify an exposure of a patient to heart disease.
Blood Tests That Can Identify Marijuana Use
Medical screening of the patient in a psychiatric care or addict rehabilitation facility often requires blood tests that identify drug use in the form of marijuana use, because they are in a condition where using marijuana can interfere with other medications or fail to allow them to achieve a successful recovery. In certain districts, federal law requires workplaces to conduct drug testing for employees working in high-risk jobs. Marijuana tests seek traces of a metabolite of THC, believed to be the cause of its psychological effects. They typically belong to a larger drug screen panel. The duration during which marijuana use can be detected is usually not more than seven days, although in chronic users, it can be detected for more than 30 days.
The Final Verdict
A doctor will not identify cannabis use in most of the blood tests ordered. Your doctor probably will not test you unless he/she believes that you might be having symptoms associated with cannabis, such as that the drug may have an interaction with your other medications. An employer is permitted to order that you undergo a drug test to find out whether you are taking cannabis, or a doctor can determine whether you are taking cannabis. Still, you will probably not be unaware that this is a part of the test. When you are tested regarding your use of cannabis, you will be tested based on the type of cannabis products that you consume, as well as the frequency of use and the last time that you took them.
FAQ
1. Is marijuana in routine blood work?
No, marijuana is not usually detected by regular blood tests. Physicians do not routinely test cannabis unless they have a particular reason to do so, e.g. the presence of related symptoms or a risk of drug interactions with other prescribed drugs.
2. What standard blood tests check?
Routine blood tests are targeted to specific health issues depending on the symptoms. They check elements such as red and white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, electrolytes, organ function, thyroid hormones, enzymes, and cholesterol levels to aid in diagnosing a disease or assessing overall well-being.
3. What is the most typical blood test ordered?
The typical blood tests are Complete Blood Count (CBC), Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP), Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP), Thyroid Function Test, Blood Enzyme Tests, and Lipid Panel. Every test measures something in your health, like the number of cells in your body, the functioning of your organs or the risk of heart disease.
4. Under what circumstances is marijuana tested in the blood?
Marijuana blood tests tend to be administered by psychiatric or addiction treatment facilities or in workplaces that have safety-sensitive occupations that necessitate drug testing. The tests identify metabolites of THC, and they are usually included in an expanded set of drug testing to maintain safety or treatment impacts.
5. What is the maximum time to detect marijuana in blood?
The average detection time of marijuana is in the range of seven days following the use of marijuana, but in chronic users, marijuana may be detected beyond 30 days. It is detected according to how it is used, the cannabis type used, and individual metabolism.
