Amphetaminesgastmcnc
This test detects the presence and concentration of amphetamines in gastric fluid to help diagnose poisoning or monitor drug exposure.
{"Detects amphetamines (stimulant drugs) in stomach fluid","Helps diagnose accidental or intentional overdose","Used in emergency and toxicology settings","Results help guide treatment decisions","Different from blood or urine drug tests"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8139-8
- Short code
- Amphetamines Gast-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Amphetamines Gast-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Amphetamine in Gastric Fluid test is a laboratory analysis that measures the amount of amphetamine-type stimulants in a sample of stomach fluid (gastric fluid). Unlike common blood or urine drug tests, this test specifically analyzes what is in your stomach, which can help doctors understand recent drug exposure or overdose situations.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of amphetamine poisoning, such as extreme agitation, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, or unconsciousness. It is commonly used in emergency departments when a patient is found unconscious or showing signs of drug overdose. The test can also be helpful in cases of suspected intentional overdose or accidental ingestion.
How is the sample collected?
A healthcare professional will collect a small sample of gastric fluid using a nasogastric (NG) tube that is passed through the nose or mouth into the stomach. This procedure is typically performed in a hospital or clinical setting by trained medical personnel.
What do the results mean?
Results are reported as either positive (present) or negative (not detected), or as a numerical concentration. A positive result indicates that amphetamines are present in the stomach. The amount detected can help doctors determine the severity of exposure and guide appropriate treatment, which may include stomach pumping (gastric lavage) or other interventions.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a workplace drug test?
How long do amphetamines stay in the stomach?
What happens if my test is positive?
Can the test detect both legal and illegal amphetamines?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy