Amphetaminesspecql
This test detects the presence of amphetamines in your blood to help diagnose drug use or monitor treatment.
{"The test checks if amphetamines or related drugs are in your blood","It may be ordered for drug screening, diagnosis, or monitoring treatment","Results are typically reported as positive or negative","Certain medications and conditions may affect results","Follow your healthcare provider's instructions before testing"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29530-3
- Short code
- Amphetamines Spec Ql
- Synonyms
- Amphetamines Spec Ql
- 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
What is this test?
The Amphetamines test is a laboratory test that detects the presence of amphetamines in your blood serum. Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that affect the central nervous system, including medications like Adderall, Dexedrine, and methamphetamine. This test can identify whether these substances or their metabolites are present in your system.
Why is this test ordered?
Your healthcare provider may order this test for several reasons: drug screening (such as for employment, legal, or medical purposes), diagnosing suspected drug intoxication or overdose, monitoring patients undergoing amphetamine treatment for conditions like ADHD or narcolepsy, or evaluating unexplained symptoms that may be related to substance use.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected in a special tube, allowed to clot, and then spun in a centrifuge to separate the serum. The serum is then analyzed using specialized laboratory techniques to detect the presence of amphetamines or their metabolites.
Understanding your results
Results are typically reported as either positive or negative. A negative result means no amphetamines were detected at the time of testing. A positive result indicates that amphetamines or related substances were found in your blood. Your healthcare provider will interpret these results in the context of your medical history, symptoms, and any medications you may be taking. False positives or negatives can occur, so confirmatory testing may be recommended in some cases.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long do amphetamines stay in my blood?
Can my prescription medications affect the test results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
What happens if my test is positive?
Is the test confidential?
Sources
- 1
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- 4
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