Patient Information Guide: Understanding the Purpose, Process, and Safety of Your Scheduled Diagnostic Laboratory Test
This test checks for the presence of amphetamine-type stimulants in your blood.
{"Detects amphetamines and methamphetamine in blood","Used for drug screening, monitoring, or medical evaluation","Results indicate presence or absence, not amount"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51690-6
- Short code
- Amphetamines Bld Ql Scn
- Synonyms
- Amphetamines Bld Ql Scn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- screen
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test and why has my doctor ordered it for me and my current health condition?
The Amphetamines Blood Screen test detects whether amphetamine-type stimulants are present in your bloodstream. This includes drugs like amphetamine, methamphetamine, and certain prescription medications such as ADHD treatments (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin). The test uses a screening method to identify if these substances are present in your blood sample.
How is the test performed and what exact steps will the technician take during my visit?
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood is drawn into a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The screening method looks for evidence of amphetamine-type substances in your blood.
What do the results mean for my health and how will my provider explain them to me?
A negative result means no amphetamines were detected in your blood at the time of testing. A positive result indicates that amphetamines or related substances were found. If positive, confirmatory testing may be performed to identify the specific substance. Remember that certain prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may cause positive results.
Are there any risks or side effects that I should be aware of before taking this test?
Blood draw risks are minimal and may include slight pain, bruising, or dizziness. These usually resolve quickly. Inform your healthcare provider if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is commonly used for workplace drug screening, legal or forensic investigations, monitoring patients in substance abuse treatment programs, and evaluating patients with suspected drug intoxication. It may also be used to verify compliance with prescription medications or to assess exposure to illicit substances.
Frequently asked questions
How long do amphetamines stay in blood?
Will my prescription medications affect the test?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens if my test is positive?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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.
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy