Description
The Opiate Drug Test (OPI) is a rapid urine test for qualitative screening for classic opiates and their metabolites. These include, in particular, morphine, codeine and degradation products that can occur after heroin consumption. The test works with a cut-off value of 2000 ng/ml. The result can usually be read after 3–5 minutes .
- Indicative urine test for classical opiates (OPI)
- Target range: morphine, codeine and heroin-related metabolites, among others
- Cut-off value: 2000 ng/ml
- Result after approx. 3–5 minutes
- Easy to use without a laboratory or analyzer
- Individually wrapped test strip
- Discreet and free shipping from Switzerland
Note: This OPI test is intended for indicative toxicological screening. It does not determine the exact amount of substance or the time of intake and does not replace medical, toxicological or legal assessment.
How to use the OPI opiate drug test – step by step
- Provide a urine sample that is as fresh as possible in a clean and dry container.
- Do not remove the test strip from the sealed packaging until immediately before use.
- Dip the test strip into the urine sample for about 10–15 seconds to the marked line. Do not exceed the MAX mark.
- Remove the test strip and lay flat on a clean, dry and non-absorbent surface.
- Read the result after 3–5 minutes .
Correctly interpreting the result of the OPI test
Negative: Two lines are visible – a control line at C and a test line at T. There is no indication of a concentration above the cut-off value of 2000 ng/ml. A weak but recognizable T-line is also considered negative.
Positive: Only the control line at C is visible. This is an indicative sign that opiates or cross-reacting metabolites may be present above the cut-off value.
Invalid: There is no control line at C. The test is invalid and must be repeated with a new test strip – regardless of whether a line is visible in test area T.
The strength or color intensity of the test line does not allow a reliable statement about the amount of substance present. The test only provides a qualitative screening result.
What does a positive opiate drug test mean?
A positive OPI screening initially means that the urine sample has reacted with the test system and that classic opiates or corresponding metabolites may be present above the cut-off value of 2000 ng/ml.
However, the rapid test cannot clearly determine which specific substance was taken. A positive result can be related, for example, to morphine, codeine, heroin or their metabolites or to certain opiate-containing drugs.
- Repeat the result with a new test strip and a new urine sample if necessary.
- Consider medications taken and painkillers prescribed by a doctor.
- Check for possible application errors or incorrect sample handling.
- In the event of medical, professional or legal consequences, arrange for a confirmatory analysis in the laboratory.
Specific laboratory methods such as GC-MS or LC-MS/MS can be used for confirmation and differentiation.
What substances does the OPI opiate test detect?
The OPI rapid test is aimed at classic opiates and morphine-related structures. Depending on the active ingredient, concentration and cross-reactivity of the test system, different opiates or their degradation products can trigger a positive test reaction.
| Substance or substance group | Classification in the OPI test |
|---|---|
| Morphine | One of the central target substances of classic opiate screenings |
| Codeine | Depending on the concentration, can contribute to a positive result directly or via conversion to morphine |
| Heroin | Rapidly degrades in the body to 6-MAM and then to morphine; an OPI test may therefore react positively |
| 6-Monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) | Heroin-specific metabolite with a short detection window; a clear determination requires a specific laboratory analysis |
| Dihydrocodeine | Can cross-react depending on the test system and concentration |
| Other related opiates | The detection depends on the respective cross-reactivity of the test used |
The exact cross-reactivity of individual active ingredients and metabolites can be found in the manufacturer’s instructions for use of the respective test variant.
What is the difference between opiates and opioids?
The terms opiates and opioids are often used in the same way, but they are not completely identical:
- Opiates are natural substances or substances derived directly from opium, such as morphine and codeine.
- Opioids is the overarching term for natural, semi-synthetic, and synthetic active ingredients that act on opioid receptors.
- Morphine is a natural opiate and a potent opioid painkiller.
- Codeine is also an opiate and is partially converted to morphine in the body.
- Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid that is broken down in the body into morphine, among other things.
The OPI test is not a universal test for all opioids. Many synthetic and semi-synthetic opioids require a separate, substance-specific test.
Which opioids are not reliably detected by a classic OPI test?
A classic opiate test is primarily focused on morphine and structurally related opiates. Many other opioids have a different chemical structure and are therefore not detected, or are detected only insufficiently.
| Active ingredient | Can it be reliably detected with the OPI test? | Suitable alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Oxycodone | Often only to a limited extent or not reliably | Specific OXY test |
| Buprenorphine | Usually not reliable | Specific BUP test |
| Methadone | Usually not reliable | Specific MTD test |
| Tramadol | Usually not reliable | Specific TML test |
| Fentanyl | Usually not reliable | Specific fentanyl test or laboratory analysis |
| Tapentadol | Usually not reliable | Specific laboratory analysis |
A negative OPI result therefore does not rule out the possibility that another opioid has been taken. The decisive factor is which specific active ingredient is to be tested.
What does the cut-off value of 2000 ng/ml mean?
The cut-off is the specified detection limit of the rapid test. In the present OPI urine test, this value is 2000 ng/ml.
- If the test response is below the cut-off, the result is displayed as negative.
- If the test reaction is at or above the cut-off, the test may be positive.
- The cut-off does not allow an exact statement to be made about the amount of substance taken.
- The cut-off does not allow a reliable determination of the time of intake.
- A negative result does not necessarily mean that there are no traces of substance at all.
A cut-off of 2000 ng/ml is less sensitive to low opiate concentrations than a test with a lower limit of detection. This can be particularly relevant when intake occurred some time ago, after small doses or with diluted urine.
How long can opiates be detected in the urine?
Classical opiates and their metabolites are often detectable in the urine for about 1–4 days . However, the actual detection window can vary significantly.
| Influencing factor | Possible impact |
|---|---|
| Type of substance | Morphine, codeine and heroin-related metabolites can have different detection windows |
| Dose | Higher doses can prolong detectability |
| Single or repeated intake | Repeated intake can cause a longer detection window |
| Time of urine sample | Very early or very late samples can be negative despite ingestion |
| Metabolism | Individual differences influence degradation and excretion |
| Liver and kidney function | Can affect processing and excretion |
| Urine dilution | Highly diluted urine can lower the concentration below the cut-off value |
| Cut-off value | The cut-off of 2000 ng/ml influences which concentrations are detected |
The detection times mentioned are orientation values. A positive or negative rapid test cannot reliably determine the exact time of intake.
Can the OPI test detect heroin?
Heroin is very quickly converted in the body to 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM) and then to morphine. Therefore, an OPI urine rapid test can react positively after heroin consumption.
However, a positive OPI result does not automatically prove heroin use. Morphine, codeine, opiate-containing drugs or other cross-reacting substances can also cause a positive screening.
For a clearer assignment to heroin, the specific detection of 6-MAM or a differentiated laboratory analysis is required.
Can medication make the opiate test positive?
Yes. Medications prescribed by a doctor containing morphine, codeine or related opiates can cause a positive test result. A positive OPI result therefore does not automatically mean that illegal drugs have been consumed.
In particular, the following points should be taken into account when interpreting it:
- What medications or painkillers were taken?
- When was the last dose taken?
- Which active ingredients and metabolites can react with the OPI test?
- Was the test stored, performed and read correctly?
Medically prescribed medication should not be discontinued or changed independently on the basis of a rapid test result. If you have any medical questions, contact a doctor or a pharmacy.
Can poppy seeds cause a positive OPI test?
Poppy seeds can contain natural traces of morphine, codeine and other opiate alkaloids. Whether this affects an OPI test depends, among other things, on the amount consumed, the processing of the poppy seeds, the time of the sample and the cut-off value.
The comparatively high cut-off value of 2000 ng/ml reduces sensitivity to low opiate concentrations. However, influence cannot be completely ruled out in every situation.
In the event of an unexpected or consequential positive result, a laboratory analysis should be carried out for differentiation.
Why can an OPI test be negative despite prior use?
A negative test result does not rule out prior use in every case. Possible causes include:
- The opiate concentration is below the cut-off value of 2000 ng/ml.
- The sample was taken too early or too late.
- The urine is highly diluted.
- An opioid was taken that is not reliably detected by the classic OPI test.
- The test was stored incorrectly or damaged.
- The test strip was immersed too deeply or for too short a time.
- The result was interpreted outside the given time window.
What role does the urine sample play?
The quality and concentration of the urine sample can affect the result of an OPI test. Very highly diluted urine can cause existing opiate metabolites to be below the cut-off value.
- The sample should be collected in a clean and dry container.
- No cleaning agents, soap residues or other liquids should get into the sample.
- The sample and the test should be at room temperature if possible.
- According to the instructions, the test should be carried out immediately or within a suitable period of time.
- If dilution or manipulation is suspected, a urine adulteration test can provide additional information.
Technical Details of the OPI Opiate Urine Test
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product name | Opiate Drug Test (OPI) |
| Test Type | Urine test strip |
| Test principle | Immunochromatographic, qualitative rapid test |
| Target area | Classical opiates and their metabolites |
| Typical target substances | Morphine, codeine and heroin-related metabolites |
| Cut-off value | 2000 ng/ml |
| Sample material | Human urine |
| Amount of urine required | Approx. 3–5 ml or sufficient for immersion up to the mark |
| Result time | Approx. 3–5 minutes |
| Latest reading | After 10 minutes at the latest |
| Application | Single use |
| Package contents | 1 individually wrapped test strip and instructions |
| Storage | Store in a dry place and according to the manufacturer’s instructions; protect from frost, heat and direct sunlight |
| Result type | Qualitative: negative, positive or invalid |
Benefits of the OPI opiate drug test
- Fast result within a few minutes
- Indicative screening for classic opiates
- Cut-off value of 2000 ng/ml
- Easy to use without a laboratory
- No additional analyzer required
- Individually sealed test strip
- Suitable for private and institutional screening situations
- Discreet packaging without conspicuous list of contents
- Free shipping from Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions about the OPI Opiate Drug Test (FAQ)
What is an OPI drug test?
Which substances does the OPI test detect?
What is the cut-off value of the OPI test?
How long can opiates be detected in the urine?
Can the OPI test detect heroin?
Does the OPI test also detect codeine?
Does the OPI test also detect morphine?
What is the difference between the OPI test and the MOP/MOR test?
Does the OPI test detect oxycodone?
Does the test detect methadone, buprenorphine or fentanyl?
Does the OPI test detect tramadol?
What does a weak second line mean?
Can prescribed painkillers make the OPI test positive?
Can poppy seed cakes or poppy seeds affect the result?
Can drinking a lot affect the result?
Can you tell from the lines how much has been consumed?
Can the exact time of intake be determined?
How reliable is the OPI rapid test?
What should I do if the result is positive?
Is the OPI test reusable?
How is the used test disposed of?
Is a positive OPI result legally conclusive?
Legal and medical classification
- The OPI urine rapid test is used exclusively for indicative screening.
- A positive result must not be interpreted as definitive evidence of a particular substance without confirmatory analysis.
- The test does not allow an assessment of a current impairment or driving ability.
- Official sampling, laboratory analyses and legal requirements are decisive for road traffic.
- Tests on other adults should only be carried out with their knowledge and consent.
- Medications, cross-reactions, urine dilution, and application errors can affect interpretation.
Scientific background & sources
The content is based on publicly available specialist information on toxicological urine analysis, the interpretation of opiate immunoassays and the metabolism of morphine, codeine and heroin. In addition, the technical specifications and the manufacturer’s IFU of the OPI test variant offered apply. The information is intended for general technical guidance and does not replace individual medical or legal advice.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Drugs of Abuse Tests
- American College of Medical Toxicology: Interpretation of Urine Opiate and Opioid Tests
- Laboratory Testing for Prescription Opioids
- Toxicologic Testing for Opiates: Understanding False-Positive and False-Negative Results
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories: Opiates Confirmation, Urine
- SAMHSA: Medical Review Officer Guidance Manual
- Manufacturer’s IFU of the OPI test variant offered: target substances, cut-off value, execution, reading time, storage and cross-reactions
Important note: This product serves as an indicative screening test and does not replace medical diagnosis, therapeutic advice or legally valid laboratory analysis. In the event of unexpected, contradictory or consequential results, professional confirmation is required.
