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Understanding Your Test: Purpose, Procedure, and What to Expect

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

This test detects barbiturate use in your urine sample using a confirmatory method.

Quick summary

{"A positive result means barbiturate drugs were detected in your urine","Barbiturates are medications used for sedation, sleep, or seizure control","This test is commonly used for medication monitoring or substance abuse screening","Results should be discussed with your healthcare provider","False positives are possible and confirmation testing may be needed"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
19274-0
Short code
BARBCONF
Synonyms
Barbiturates Pos Ur Cfm
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile, preservative-free urine container; preferred specimen container for confirmatory testing
Units
N/A
Ref low
3.5
Ref high
7.2
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
confirm
CPT
80345 (additionally G0480-G0481 for definitive drug class confirmation depending on payer)
SNOMED
25068006
Specimen volume
Minimum 10-20 mL of urine; 30-50 mL preferred for adequate confirmatory testing
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours. Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days. Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days or longer for forensic specimens.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What is this test, and why might my healthcare provider recommend it?

This test looks for barbiturates in your urine. Barbiturates are a class of prescription medications that act as central nervous system depressants. They are typically used for conditions such as sedation, sleep disorders, anxiety, and seizure control. The confirmatory method used is more specific than initial screening tests, meaning it can accurately identify specific barbiturate compounds rather than just flagging their presence.

How is the test performed, and what can I expect during the procedure?

A urine sample is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The confirmatory method typically uses gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which are highly accurate techniques for identifying and measuring specific drugs and their metabolites in urine.

Reference range

NCBI: Uric Acid Male 3.5-7.2 mg/dL; Female 2.5-6.8 mg/dLN/A

Specimen: urine

No fasting required. Patients should be informed that confirmatory testing is performed after an initial positive screening result. Patients should disclose all prescription and over-the-counter medications, as some may cross-react.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

A positive barbiturate test in urine may indicate recent use of barbiturate medications such as phenobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital, or amobarbital. This could be from legitimate prescriptions or from misuse. The test is often used in medication monitoring to ensure proper dosing, in drug abuse screening programs, or in forensic settings. Your healthcare provider will interpret the result in context with your medical history, symptoms, and any medications you are currently taking.

Frequently asked questions

How long do barbiturates stay in urine?
The detection window varies depending on the specific barbiturate, dose, and individual metabolism. Generally, barbiturates can be detected in urine for several days to weeks after last use. Long-acting barbiturates like phenobarbital may be detectable longer than short-acting ones.
Can this test show how much I took?
Confirmatory tests can often provide approximate levels of the drug, but they generally indicate presence rather than precise dosage. The concentration in urine does not always correlate directly with the amount taken.
Could I have a false positive result?
While confirmatory methods are highly specific, false positives can occasionally occur due to certain medications or supplements. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications and substances you are taking.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
No special preparation is typically needed. Simply provide a urine sample as instructed. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements you are taking.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Drug TestingSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Barbiturate intoxicationSource
  3. 3
    LabCorp - Barbiturates, Quantitative, UrineSource

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