Amphetmethamphetgastqlscn
This test checks for the presence of amphetamine and methamphetamine in your stomach fluid or serum to help detect drug use or poisoning.
{"Detects amphetamine and methamphetamine in stomach fluid or blood","Used to diagnose accidental poisoning or monitor drug use","Results are qualitative (positive/negative), not quantitative","Positive results typically require confirmatory testing","Certain prescription medications may cause false positive results"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 43860-6
- Short code
- Amphet+Methamphet Gast Ql Scn
- Synonyms
- Amphet+Methamphet Gast Ql Scn
- 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
- Method
- screen
- 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 and Methamphetamine screening test is a laboratory analysis used to detect whether amphetamine or methamphetamine substances are present in your stomach fluid (gastric fluid) or blood serum. These are stimulant drugs that affect the central nervous system and are sometimes used illegally or taken without proper medical prescription.
Why might I need this test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of drug poisoning (such as extreme agitation, rapid heart rate, or confusion), if you are being monitored for drug use, or if you are undergoing treatment for substance abuse. It may also be ordered in emergency situations when drug overdose is suspected.
How is the sample collected?
For this test, a sample of your stomach fluid may be collected through a nasogastric tube or during an endoscopy procedure. Alternatively, a blood sample (serum) may be drawn from a vein in your arm. The method used depends on your clinical situation and what your healthcare provider is trying to diagnose.
What do the results mean?
Results are reported as either 'Positive' (the drug was detected) or 'Negative' (the drug was not detected). A positive result indicates that amphetamine or methamphetamine is present in your sample. However, because this is a screening test, positive results should be confirmed with a more specific confirmatory test to rule out false positives.
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 findings2
Frequently asked questions
How long do these drugs stay in your system?
Will a positive result show up on a workplace drug test?
Can diet or supplements affect the test results?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy