Barbitalurqlscn
A urine test that screens for the presence of barbiturates, a class of sedative medications, to monitor drug therapy or detect potential misuse.
{"This test checks your urine for barbiturates, sedatives used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures","It helps doctors monitor proper medication use or detect possible drug misuse","A simple urine sample is collected and analyzed in a laboratory","Results can show if barbiturates are present, but not the exact amount","Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking before the test"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19353-2
- Short code
- BARBU
- Synonyms
- Barbital Ur Ql Scn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container without preservatives (chain-of-custody container if forensic/legal specimen)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 200
- Ref high
- 300
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- screen
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 395112001
- Specimen volume
- 30-50 mL of random urine; minimum 10 mL
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days; Room temperature: 48 hours. If confirmation testing is required, freeze specimen for long-term storage.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–48 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Barbital Urine Screening Test is a diagnostic test that detects the presence of barbiturates in your urine. Barbiturates are a class of sedative-hypnotic medications that were historically prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. This screening test uses a method called 'Screen' to identify whether barbiturate compounds are present in your urine sample.
Why might I need this test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test for several reasons: (1) To monitor patients who are prescribed barbiturate medications to ensure proper dosing and compliance with treatment, (2) To detect potential misuse or unauthorized use of barbiturate drugs, (3) As part of a broader drug screening panel, (4) To evaluate symptoms that may be related to barbiturate use or withdrawal, or (5) Before certain surgical procedures or in occupational health settings where drug testing is required.
How is the test performed?
The test requires a urine sample. You will be given a clean collection container and instructed on how to collect a 'clean catch' midstream urine sample to avoid contamination. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it undergoes screening analysis to detect the presence of barbiturates. The test is qualitative, meaning it determines whether barbiturates are present or not, rather than measuring the exact concentration.
What do the results mean?
A 'positive' result indicates that barbiturates were detected in your urine. A 'negative' result means no barbiturates were detected at the screening threshold. It is important to note that this is a screening test - if a positive result is obtained, confirmatory testing may be performed to identify the specific type of barbiturate present. Certain medications, foods, or medical conditions may potentially cause false-positive results, which is why your healthcare provider will interpret your results in the context of your medical history and current medications.
Reference range
Negative (not detected). Cutoff threshold typically 200-300 ng/mL depending on laboratory and assay used.N/A
No special preparation required. Patients should be informed that results may have legal implications and chain of custody protocols may apply for forensic testing. Informed consent may be required depending on jurisdiction.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
How long do barbiturates stay detectable in urine?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Will a positive result show up on a employment drug test?
Can this test tell how much barbiturate I took?
What should I do if my test is positive?
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