Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
A blood test that detects the presence and concentration of amphetamine-type stimulant drugs in your bloodstream.
{"This test checks for amphetamines (like Adderall, meth) in your blood","It helps doctors monitor medication use or detect drug abuse","A small blood sample is drawn from your arm","Results show whether the drug is present and at what level","Certain medications and foods can affect test results"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8147-1
- Short code
- Amphetamines SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Amphetamines SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
A complete blood count (CBC) is a common blood test that measures the different cells in your blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It gives your doctor a broad picture of your overall health and helps detect many conditions.
The amphetamines blood test measures the amount of stimulant drugs (such as amphetamine, methamphetamine, or prescribed ADHD medications like Adderall) in your blood. This test uses a sample of serum (the clear part of your blood) or plasma to detect and quantify these substances.
Your doctor may order a CBC as part of a routine checkup or to help find the cause of symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, fever, bruising, or unexplained weight loss. It can also be used to monitor an existing condition or to see how well a treatment is working.
Your doctor may order this test for several reasons: to monitor if you are taking your prescribed medication as directed, to check for illegal amphetamine or methamphetamine use, to evaluate symptoms of drug overdose, or as part of a routine substance abuse monitoring program. It may also be used in emergency situations when someone shows signs of stimulant poisoning.
A small sample of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm, usually on the inside of the elbow. The procedure takes only a few minutes. You may feel a brief sting or pinch when the needle goes in, and a small bandage will be placed over the site afterward.
A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood will be collected in a special tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test itself involves sophisticated equipment to identify and measure amphetamine compounds in your blood sample.
Your results show the levels of each type of blood cell. Abnormal values may suggest conditions such as anemia, infection, inflammation, or clotting problems, but they do not always mean you are ill. Your doctor will review the numbers along with your symptoms and medical history to explain what they mean for you.
Results are typically reported as positive (drug detected) or negative (no drug detected), along with the specific concentration level. For patients taking prescribed amphetamines, therapeutic levels are expected. If non-prescribed amphetamines are detected or levels are unexpectedly high, it may indicate misuse or overdose. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your medical history and current medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The amphetamines test is clinically important for multiple scenarios: monitoring patient compliance with prescribed ADHD or narcolepsy treatments, detecting unauthorized use of stimulants, evaluating suspected drug intoxication or overdose (symptoms include agitation, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, seizures), and in forensic or workplace testing programs. Positive results help guide treatment decisions, while negative results may indicate the need for dose adjustment or alternative therapies.
Frequently asked questions
How long do amphetamines stay in my blood?
Will my ADHD medication show up on this test?
Can foods or other medications affect my test results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
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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