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Barbitalurqlcfm

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test detects the presence of barbital, a barbiturate medication, in your urine sample.

Quick summary

{"Barbital is a barbiturate drug used for sedation and sleep","This test uses a confirmatory method to accurately detect the drug in urine","It is commonly used to monitor medication compliance or detect drug abuse","Urine testing can detect barbital use for several days after intake","Positive results may indicate legitimate medical use or recreational abuse"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
19354-0
Short code
BARB
Synonyms
Barbital Ur Ql Cfm
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container without preservative; amber-colored container preferred to protect from light degradation
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
100
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
confirm
CPT
80345 (Add-on code for confirmatory drug testing, barbiturates)
SNOMED
104210008
Specimen volume
30-50 mL random urine specimen; minimum 10 mL
Stability
Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days for forensic/medico-legal samples. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
48–96 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Barbital Urine Test is a confirmatory laboratory test that detects the presence of barbital (also known as veronal) in your urine. Barbital is a barbiturate class medication that was historically used as a sedative and hypnotic (sleep-inducing drug). This test uses specialized confirmatory methods to accurately identify whether barbital or related barbiturates are present in your urine sample.

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected from you in a sterile container. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it undergoes confirmatory testing methods, which are more specific and reliable than initial screening tests. These methods can include gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to accurately identify and confirm the presence of barbital.

Why might I need this test?

Your healthcare provider may order this test for several reasons: to monitor patients taking barbital for legitimate medical conditions, to verify compliance with prescribed medications, to investigate suspected drug overdose or poisoning, or as part of a comprehensive drug screening panel. It may also be used in forensic or employment-related testing scenarios.

Reference range

Negative (cutoff: typically <100 ng/mL or laboratory-defined threshold)N/A

Specimen: urine

No special preparation required. Patient should be informed about sample collection procedure. Avoid contamination from external sources of barbiturates.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

How long does barbital stay detectable in urine?
Barbital can typically be detected in urine for 2-7 days after the last dose, depending on factors such as the amount taken, frequency of use, individual metabolism, kidney function, and urine pH. Chronic users may have longer detection windows.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No special preparation is typically required. You should inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, or substances you have recently taken, as some substances may potentially cause false results. Avoid excessive fluid intake immediately before the test, as it may dilute the sample.
What do the results mean?
A positive result indicates that barbital was detected in your urine. The result does not typically indicate the amount of drug or when it was taken. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your medical history, symptoms, and other clinical findings to determine the appropriate course of action.
Is this test confidential?
Yes, like all medical tests, your barbital urine test results are protected by privacy regulations and are part of your confidential medical record. Results will only be shared with authorized healthcare providers and with your consent unless required by law.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Barbiturate ScreeningSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic Laboratories - BarbituratesSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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