Barbiturateshairmcnt
A hair test that detects barbiturate use over weeks to months, commonly used for medication monitoring or substance abuse assessment.
{"Tests for barbiturates (sedative medications) in hair samples","Can detect drug use over 1-3 months or longer","Often used for medication compliance monitoring or forensic testing","Sample is collected from the scalp hair close to the root","Results are reported as positive/negative or quantitative levels"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 11092-4
- Short code
- BARBHAIR
- Synonyms
- Barbiturates Hair-mCnt
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile hair collection envelope or aluminum foil packet; specimen container with desiccant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) confirmation
- CPT
- 80345
- SNOMED
- 31454009
- Specimen volume
- Approximately 100-200 strands of hair (pencil-width bundle), cut close to the scalp, proximal 3 cm segment (representing approximately 3 months of growth)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 weeks; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 1 month; Frozen (-20°C): 3 months; Hair samples are stable at ambient conditions when kept dry and protected from light
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Barbiturates Hair Test detects the presence of barbiturates in a hair sample. Barbiturates are a class of prescription medications used as sedatives, anesthetics, or to control seizures. This test analyzes hair strands to determine if a person has used barbiturates over an extended period, typically the past 1-3 months or longer.
How is the sample collected?
A small sample of hair is cut from the scalp, usually from the back of the head. About 100-120 strands of hair (or about the width of a pencil) are typically needed. The hair is cut as close to the scalp as possible. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why is hair testing used?
Hair testing is useful because drugs incorporate into hair as it grows, providing a longer detection window compared to blood or urine tests. This makes it helpful for monitoring medication compliance, verifying historical drug use, or in legal/forensic situations. It can show patterns of drug use over weeks or months rather than just recent use.
Reference range
Negative: <0.5 ng/mg; Detection limit typically 0.1-1.0 ng/mg depending on specific barbiturate. Reporting may be qualitative (positive/negative) or quantitative based on laboratory protocol.N/A
No special preparation required. Patients should avoid chemical hair treatments (bleaching, perming, dyeing) for at least 2-4 weeks prior to collection as these may affect analyte stability. Inform laboratory of any medications currently being taken.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long can barbiturates be detected in hair?
Can hair products affect the test results?
Is a positive result always due to illegal use?
How long does it take to get results?
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