The test detects norfentanyl to identify exposure in acute care settings and is designed for use in CLIA-certified laboratories.

Labcorp has launched its Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared rapid fentanyl urine test that provides results in 10 minutes. The test is designed to help healthcare providers identify suspected fentanyl exposure in emergency departments, hospitals, and clinics.

The Labcorp Fentanyl Urine Visual Test detects norfentanyl, the primary metabolite of fentanyl. This metabolite can remain in urine for up to 48 hours after exposure, offering a longer detection window than fentanyl itself, which often clears within hours. The test is cleared for use by qualified professionals in Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified settings.

“When clinicians suspect fentanyl exposure, they need quick, dependable answers to inform care,” says Brian Caveney, chief medical and scientific officer at Labcorp, in a release. “The Labcorp Fentanyl Urine Visual Test delivers results in minutes, helping teams respond quickly and confidently in emergency departments, hospitals, and clinics—ultimately supporting better patient outcomes.”

Data from Labcorp indicates that approximately 4% of pre-employment screenings tested positive for fentanyl between 2024 and 2025, while nearly 10% of patients receiving treatment for opioid use disorder tested positive. The Association for Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) recently issued guidance emphasizing the need for reliable screening tools in emergency care due to the prevalence of synthetic opioids.

Results from the visual test are intended for preliminary rapid screening and should be confirmed with laboratory methods, which is standard practice for rapid testing. The product is available through Labcorp Point of Care, a division transitioning from its previous name, MEDTOX Diagnostics, throughout 2026.

This launch marks the first FDA-cleared rapid fentanyl test of its kind manufactured in the US, according to the company. The diagnostic tool aims to provide fast, actionable answers for clinicians managing patients in acute care environments.

ID 50500234 © Stephan Bock | Dreamstime.com

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