Barbituratesmecql
This test checks if a newborn has been exposed to barbiturate medications before birth by testing the baby's first stool (meconium).
{"Detects barbiturate exposure during pregnancy","Meconium can show drug use in the last half of pregnancy","Results help doctors provide appropriate care","Testing is usually part of routine newborn screening when needed","Positive results do not mean a mother intentionally harmed her baby"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 40412-9
- Short code
- Barbiturates Mec Ql
- Synonyms
- Barbiturates Mec Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 7.2
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Barbiturate Meconium Test is a laboratory test that looks for traces of barbiturates in a newborn's meconium (the first dark stool passed by a baby after birth). Barbiturates are a type of sedative medication sometimes used during pregnancy for conditions like seizures, anxiety, or as sleep aids.
How does it work?
When a pregnant person takes barbiturates, the medication can cross the placenta and reach the developing baby. The baby metabolizes the drug, and traces of it can accumulate in the meconium, which forms during the last half of pregnancy. By testing meconium, doctors can detect if the baby was exposed to these medications before birth.
Why is this test done?
This test is typically ordered when healthcare providers suspect a baby may have been exposed to barbiturates during pregnancy. Reasons may include: signs of withdrawal symptoms in the newborn, a known history of barbiturate use by the mother, or as part of a broader toxicology screening when indicated.
What happens during the test?
A small sample of meconium is collected from the baby's diaper and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test looks for the presence of barbiturates or their metabolites. No special preparation is needed, and the sample collection is simple and harmless to the baby.
Reference range
NCBI: Uric Acid Male 3.5-7.2 mg/dL; Female 2.5-6.8 mg/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean my baby is in danger?
Will this test be reported to authorities?
What if I took barbiturates as prescribed by my doctor?
How long do barbiturates stay in meconium?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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