Amphetaminesusubql
A blood test that checks for the presence of amphetamine-type stimulants in a substance sample.
{"This test detects amphetamines (such as methamphetamine, MDMA, or certain ADHD medications) in blood samples","It is commonly used in emergency, forensic, or workplace testing situations","Results can help identify substance use or exposure"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 8154-7
- Short code
- Amphetamines Usub Ql
- Synonyms
- Amphetamines Usub 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 [Presence] test is a laboratory analysis that detects whether amphetamine-type stimulants are present in a blood sample. Amphetamines include drugs like methamphetamine (meth), MDMA (ecstasy), and certain prescription medications used for ADHD (such as Adderall or Ritalin). This test does not measure the exact amount of drug but simply indicates whether any amphetamine substance is present.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using specialized chemical tests to detect the presence of amphetamine compounds. No special preparation is typically needed, but you should inform your doctor about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking.
What do the results mean?
A 'Positive' result means amphetamines were detected in your blood sample, indicating recent use or exposure to these substances. A 'Negative' result means no amphetamines were detected. However, the test has limitations—it may not detect very small amounts of drugs, and certain medications or substances can sometimes cause false positive results. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your medical history and situation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long do amphetamines stay in your blood?
Can prescription ADHD medications cause a positive result?
Is fasting required before this test?
Can this test tell how much drug was taken?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
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