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Barbituratesgastql

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test checks for the presence of barbiturate medications in stomach fluid to help diagnose overdose or monitor medication use.

Quick summary

{"Detects barbiturate drugs (sedatives) in stomach contents","Helps diagnose accidental or intentional overdose","Used when poisoning or drug toxicity is suspected","Results help doctors determine appropriate treatment","Sample is collected from stomach via gastric tube"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14624-1
Short code
BARBGF
Synonyms
Barbiturates Gast Ql
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Sterile, leak-proof plastic container without preservative; clean glass container acceptable. Avoid containers with rubber stoppers or stopcocks that may adsorb barbiturates.
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Immunoassay (qualitative screening) with confirmation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
CPT
80307
SNOMED
395081003
Specimen volume
5-10 mL of gastric fluid (minimum 1 mL for testing)
Stability
Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days. Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. If delay in transport is anticipated, freeze specimen.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
1–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Barbiturate Gastric Fluid test detects whether barbiturate medications are present in the stomach contents. Barbiturates are a class of sedative-hypnotic drugs that were historically used for anxiety, sleep disorders, and seizure control. Examples include phenobarbital, pentobarbital, and amobarbital. This test is primarily ordered when healthcare providers suspect a patient has taken too much of these medications, either accidentally or intentionally.

Why is it performed?

This test is performed when a patient shows symptoms of barbiturate overdose, such as extreme drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, slow breathing, or loss of consciousness. It helps doctors confirm whether barbiturates are the cause of these symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment. The test may also be used in forensic cases or emergency situations where drug ingestion is suspected.

How is the sample collected?

A healthcare provider collects a sample of gastric fluid (stomach contents) using a nasogastric (NG) tube or orogastric tube. The tube is passed through the nose or mouth into the stomach, and fluid is aspirated (suctioned) out. This procedure is typically performed in a hospital or clinical setting by trained medical personnel.

What do the results mean?

A positive result indicates that barbiturates are present in the stomach, meaning the patient has recently ingested these medications. The test is qualitative, meaning it shows whether barbiturates are present (positive) or not present (negative). A negative result suggests no recent barbiturate ingestion, though it does not rule out barbiturate use entirely if the drugs have already passed through the stomach.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No fasting required. Specimen is typically collected in emergency or suspected overdose settings via gastric lavage or nasogastric aspiration. Document time of suspected ingestion and any pre-hospital interventions (e.g., activated charcoal administration).

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

Is this test painful?
The insertion of the gastric tube may cause some discomfort and a gagging sensation, but it is generally well-tolerated. The procedure is brief and performed by experienced healthcare professionals.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within a few hours to one day, depending on the laboratory. In emergency situations, results may be available more quickly.
What happens if the test is positive?
If barbiturates are detected, treatment will be initiated immediately. This may include removing the drug from the stomach, administering activated charcoal, and providing supportive care such as intravenous fluids and monitoring breathing.
Can this test detect all types of barbiturates?
Most standard tests can detect common barbiturates such as phenobarbital, pentobarbital, and secobarbital. However, specific tests may be needed to identify exact types or quantities.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required. However, inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, as some substances may interfere with test results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Barbiturate ScreenSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Barbiturates, Qualitative, GastricSource
  3. 3
    NCBI - Barbiturate ToxicitySource

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy