LOINC

LOINC Code 20481-8: Opiates Screen Ql (Mec)

20481-8 is a LOINC code used to identify Opiates Screen Ql (Mec) in laboratory and clinical observation data. You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges. LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Opiates. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Meconium.

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

LOINC codes identify tests, measurements, observations, survey items, and clinical questions in a standardized way. It is associated with the component Opiates. It is commonly used with the system or sample type Meconium.

When is it used?

  • Used in lab systems, EHRs, and clinical data exchange.
  • May identify a test, observation, survey item, or clinical document request rather than a diagnosis.
  • Status: DEPRECATED
  • Method: Screen

What it does not mean

  • The code identifies the observation or test, not the actual result.

Key facts

  • Deprecated Opiates [Presence] in Meconium by Screen method
  • Opiates
  • Addiction; Arbitrary Concentration; DRUG/TOXICOLOGY; Drugs; Drugs of abuse; Heroin; Illicit; Mec; OP; Opi; Opiate; Ordinal; Point in time; PotentialForAbuse; Ql; Qual; Qualitative; Random; Scn; Scr; Screen; Scrn

Where you may see this code

You may see this code in lab systems, lab reports, EHR exports, interoperability feeds, or other structured clinical data exchanges.

Common synonyms

Opiates Screen Ql (Mec)Deprecated Opiates [Presence] in Meconium by Screen methodDeprecated Opiates Mec Ql ScnOpiatesDRUG/TOXOpiates, MeconiumACnc

Frequently asked questions

Code details

Code20481-8
SystemLOINC
Display nameOpiates Screen Ql (Mec)
DescriptionOpiates
Short nameDeprecated Opiates Mec Ql Scn
ComponentOpiates
PropertyACnc
TimingPt
System (specimen)Meconium
ScaleOrd
MethodScreen
ClassDRUG/TOX
StatusDEPRECATED

Flags

BillableNo
Valid clinical useNo

Source

SourceLOINC
Version2.82
Releasemain
First released1.0m
Last changed2.36

Consumer names

Opiates, Meconium

Part names

OpiatesACncPtMeconiumOrdScreenArbitrary ConcentrationPoint in time (spot)Toxicology screen

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from LOINC. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.

LOINC Code 20481-8 | HealthAssure