Amphetaminesserplqlcfm
This test checks if amphetamines (stimulant drugs) are present in your blood sample.
{"Detects amphetamine-type drugs like methamphetamine or MDMA in blood","Used for drug abuse screening, workplace testing, or medical monitoring","Results require professional interpretation in clinical context","A positive result does not indicate impairment level","Confirmation testing ensures accurate results"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8148-9
- Short code
- Amphetamines SerPl Ql Cfm
- Synonyms
- Amphetamines SerPl Ql Cfm
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- 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?
This test looks for amphetamines in your blood (serum or plasma). Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that include prescription medications (like ADHD treatments) and illegal substances (like methamphetamine or MDMA/ecstasy). This is a confirmatory test, meaning it provides highly accurate results to verify initial screening findings.
Why might I need this test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test for several reasons: workplace or pre-employment drug screening, monitoring for medication compliance, evaluating suspected drug intoxication, forensic or legal investigations, or as part of a comprehensive drug testing panel. It may also be used in emergency settings when someone shows symptoms of drug exposure.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it undergoes confirmatory testing, typically using mass spectrometry methods. This confirms the presence and identifies specific types of amphetamines with high accuracy.
What do the results mean?
A negative result means no amphetamines were detected in your blood at the time of testing. A positive result indicates that amphetamines were found. However, results require medical interpretation—certain prescription medications may cause positive results, and timing of use affects detection. Your healthcare provider will explain what your specific results mean in your situation.
Are there any risks?
The risks are minimal and similar to routine blood tests, including slight bruising, soreness, or rarely, infection at the puncture site. Some people may feel lightheaded during or after the blood draw.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long do amphetamines stay in blood?
Can prescription medications cause a positive result?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Will this test tell me if I'm impaired?
How long will it take to get results?
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