Sign in →

Test Code MPHEND Methylphenidate and Metabolite, Urine

Useful For

Detecting the presence of methylphenidate and its major metabolite, ritalinic acid, in urine to confirm abuse or to monitor compliance.

Synonyms/Keywords

Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate

Specimen Requirements

Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)
Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
No Urine Sage urine collection container Sterile plastic container with no preservatives 5 mL 3 mL 1.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Urine Ambient 48 hours
Refrigerate 14 days

Test Information

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Marshfield Labs.  It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.  This test is used for clinical purposes.  It should not be regarded as investigational or for research.


This test is a urine LCMS/MS confirmation for methylphenidate (Ritalin) and its major metabolite, ritalinic acid.   Methylphenidate is prescribed for various disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), fatigue, and narcolepsy.  It is a central nervous system stimulant similar in chemical structure and effect to amphetamine.  It can be abused, particularly for relief of fatigue.  It can have a strong stimulating effect on people who use it for non-medical reasons and is very addictive.

Reference Range Information

Performing Location Reference Range
Marshfield Negative.  Positives are reported with a quantitative LCMS/MS result.

Marshfield Labs Performing Department

Marshfield Labs Special Chemistry

Performing Information

Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Marshfield Monday through Friday 2-4 days Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCMS/MS) using Multiple Reaction Monitoring

CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
80360   1 Methylphenidate and Metabolite  
G0480   1 Methylphenidate and Metabolite For Marshfield Clinic and Medicare/Medicaid

Outreach CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)
Quantity Description Comments
80360   1 Methylphenidate and Metabolite  
G0480   1 Methylphenidate and Metabolite For Medicare/Medicaid

Ordering Applications

Ordering Application Description
COM

Methylphenidate, Urine

Cerner Methylphenidate and Metabolite, Urine