Barbituratesmsmthair
This test detects barbiturate use by analyzing a hair sample, helping doctors understand long-term medication or substance use patterns.
{"Measures barbiturate levels in hair to detect long-term drug use","Provides up to 90 days of drug use history","Used for monitoring medication compliance or detecting substance abuse","Sample collected from scalp hair close to the root","Results help healthcare providers make informed treatment decisions"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109682-5
- Short code
- BARBHAIR
- Synonyms
- Barbiturates Msmt Hair
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile hair collection envelope or aluminum foil packet; chain-of-custody container if forensic/legal specimen
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.2
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) following solid-phase extraction
- CPT
- 80101 (drug screen, single drug class, qualitative); 80299 (quantitative, unlisted) or G0480-G0483 for definitive drug confirmation
- SNOMED
- 33367009 (barbiturate); 396878003 (hair specimen)
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 50-100 mg of hair (approximately 20-40 strands) cut as close to the scalp as possible; preferably a pencil-thickness bundle (3-5 mm diameter) from the posterior vertex region
- Stability
- Room temperature: stable for 2 weeks; Refrigerated (2-8°C): stable for 6 months; Frozen (-20°C or below): stable indefinitely for long-term archival. Protect from light and moisture.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Barbiturates Hair Test is a laboratory analysis that measures the presence and amount of barbiturates in hair samples. Barbiturates are a class of medications that act as central nervous system depressants, commonly prescribed for sedation, seizure control, and anesthesia. This test can detect drug use over an extended period, typically up to 90 days, providing a comprehensive picture of medication or substance use patterns.
How is the test performed?
A small hair sample (approximately 100-120 strands) is collected from the scalp, close to the root. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using specialized techniques to detect and quantify barbiturate compounds. The hair is washed, ground into small pieces, and the drugs are extracted for analysis. This method is highly sensitive and can detect even small amounts of substances that may have been used weeks or months ago.
Why might I need this test?
Your healthcare provider may order this test for several reasons: to monitor compliance with prescribed barbiturate medications, to evaluate patients with suspected drug abuse or overdose, to assess drug use history in psychiatric or addiction evaluations, or for forensic and legal purposes such as in custody cases or workplace drug testing. It provides objective evidence of drug exposure that cannot be easily falsified or manipulated.
What do the results mean?
Results are typically reported as positive or negative, or may show the specific amount of barbiturates detected. A positive result indicates that barbiturates were found in the hair sample, suggesting use within the detection window. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your medical history, symptoms, and other test findings. It's important to discuss any positive results with your doctor to understand what they mean for your treatment plan.
Reference range
Negative: <0.2 ng/mg hair. Positive cutoff typically ≥0.2 ng/mg for total barbiturates. Quantitative results reported in ng/mg of hair, reflecting cumulative exposure over approximately 3 months based on a 1.5 cm segment closest to the scalp.N/A
No fasting required. Patient should avoid chemical hair treatments (bleaching, perming, dyeing) for at least 2 weeks prior to collection if possible, as these may degrade analytes. Inform laboratory of any prescribed medications. Document recent hair treatments, cosmetic products used, and environmental exposure history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
How long does hair testing detect drug use?
Is hair testing painful or invasive?
Can hair products affect the test results?
How long does it take to get results?
Will hair coloring or bleaching affect the test?
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