Barbitalgastql
This test detects the presence of barbital, a barbiturate drug, in gastric fluid to help diagnose potential drug poisoning or overdose.
{"Barbital is a barbiturate drug used historically as a sedative and anticonvulsant","This test checks for barbital in stomach fluid to evaluate for poisoning or overdose","Results help doctors determine appropriate treatment for drug intoxication","Barbiturates are now rarely prescribed due to safety concerns","Positive results require immediate medical attention"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 52950-3
- Short code
- BARBGAS
- Synonyms
- Barbital Gast Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof container without preservative; red-top or no-additive tube acceptable for transport
- 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
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Immunoassay
- CPT
- 80345
- SNOMED
- 395074001
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL of gastric fluid
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days; Room temperature: 24 hours
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Barbital Gastric Fluid test detects the presence of barbital (a barbiturate medication) in the stomach contents. Barbiturates are a class of drugs that act as central nervous system depressants, historically used for sedation, anesthesia, and seizure control. This test is primarily ordered when a patient shows signs of drug poisoning or suspected overdose, particularly if barbiturate intoxication is suspected based on symptoms such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing, or unconsciousness.
How is the test performed?
A sample of gastric fluid (stomach contents) is collected, usually through nasogastric tube aspiration or during gastric lavage (stomach pumping). The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it undergoes analytical testing to detect and sometimes quantify the presence of barbital. The test determines whether barbital is present (qualitative result) and may indicate the concentration level.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No fasting required. If possible, collect gastric fluid via nasogastric lavage or gastric aspiration in suspected overdose cases. Document time of ingestion and last oral intake.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why is this test ordered?
Is the test painful?
What do the results mean?
Are barbiturates still commonly used?
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