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Admibenzodiazepine

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 10, 2026

A blood test that detects the presence of benzodiazepine medications in your bloodstream to help monitor treatment or investigate symptoms.

Quick summary

{"This test measures benzodiazepine drugs like Valium, Xanax, or Ativan in your blood","It helps doctors ensure proper medication levels or check for overdose","A small blood sample is drawn from your arm","Results can help distinguish between medication use and substance abuse"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 10, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
104035-1
Short code
BZD
Synonyms
Admi Benzodiazepine
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
Immunoassay screening with LC-MS/MS confirmation
CPT
80307
SNOMED
398060006
Specimen volume
1-2 mL serum minimum
Stability
Room temperature: 24-48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 5-7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
50
Icterus max
20
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Benzodiazepine test is a laboratory analysis performed on a blood sample (serum) to detect the presence of benzodiazepine medications. Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. Common examples include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin).

Why do I need this test?

Your doctor may order this test for several reasons: to monitor if you are taking your prescribed medication as directed, to check medication levels in your system, to investigate symptoms of overdose or poisoning, or to help determine the cause of unusual symptoms like excessive drowsiness, confusion, or breathing problems. It may also be used in emergency situations or during substance abuse treatment programs.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test specifically looks for benzodiazepine drugs or their metabolites (breakdown products) in your blood. You do not need to fast or make any special preparations for this test, unless your doctor instructs otherwise.

What do the results mean?

Results are typically reported as either positive (benzodiazepines detected) or negative (no benzodiazepines detected). A positive result indicates that benzodiazepine medication is present in your bloodstream. The specific level detected can help your doctor understand if you are within the therapeutic (effective) range or if levels are too high (potentially indicating overdose). A negative result may mean you have not taken the medication recently, or that the medication has already been metabolized and cleared from your system.

Reference range

Negative or None Detected. Quantitative interpretation depends on the specific benzodiazepine identified and clinical context.N/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. Patient should inform the laboratory of all current medications including prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal supplements. Recent benzodiazepine administration (therapeutic or recreational) should be documented.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

How long do benzodiazepines stay in your blood?
Benzodiazepines can typically be detected in blood for 1-7 days after use, depending on the specific medication, dose, and individual factors like metabolism and liver function. Long-acting benzodiazepines like diazepam may be detectable longer than short-acting ones like alprazolam.
Will this test show all types of benzodiazepines?
Most standard benzodiazepine tests can detect a broad range of commonly prescribed benzodiazepines. However, some newer or less common formulations may not be detected by all tests. If your doctor needs to identify a specific medication, they may order a more comprehensive test.
Do I need to stop taking my medication before the test?
No, you should continue taking your medication as prescribed unless your doctor specifically instructs you otherwise. Stopping suddenly can be dangerous, especially if you have been taking benzodiazepines regularly. Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding medication.
Can this test tell if I'm taking someone else's prescription?
The test can confirm the presence of benzodiazepines in your system but cannot determine the source of the medication. If you have a valid prescription, inform your doctor and bring documentation to your appointment.
Is the test confidential?
Yes, like all medical tests, benzodiazepine test results are protected by patient privacy laws and are part of your confidential medical record. Results are only shared with healthcare providers involved in your care, unless you give permission for others to access them.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Drug TestingSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - BenzodiazepinesSource
  3. 3
    National Library of Medicine - Benzodiazepine InformationSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy