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Barbituratesscnmethur

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A urine test that detects the presence of barbiturates (sedative medications) in your system.

Quick summary

{"This test checks if barbiturates (sleeping pills or seizure medications) are in your urine","It is commonly used for medication monitoring, drug abuse screening, or workplace testing","Results are typically reported as positive (found) or negative (not found)","Certain medications and substances may cause false results"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
19277-3
Short code
BARB-U
Synonyms
Barbiturates Scn Meth Ur
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container without preservatives; preferred specimen container for chain-of-custody is tamper-evident container
Units
N/A
Ref low
200
Ref high
300
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
Immunoassay screening (e.g., EMIT, FPIA, KIMS, or CEDIA) with confirmatory testing by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) if positive
CPT
80307
SNOMED
33378001
Specimen volume
Minimum 10-30 mL of random urine; 30-60 mL preferred for adequate screening
Stability
Room temperature: up to 48 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days for forensic samples
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
2–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The urine barbiturates screening test is a laboratory test that looks for barbiturates in your urine. Barbiturates are a class of prescription medications that act as central nervous system depressants. They are sometimes used to treat seizures, anxiety, or insomnia. Examples include phenobarbital, pentobarbital, and secobarbital.

Why do I need this test?

Your healthcare provider may order this test for several reasons: to monitor if you are taking your prescribed barbiturate medication as directed, to check for possible drug abuse or overdose, as part of a routine drug screening (such as for employment or legal purposes), or to help diagnose barbiturate poisoning or withdrawal symptoms.

How is the test done?

A urine sample is collected in a sterile container. You will be given instructions on how to collect a 'clean catch' sample to avoid contamination. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using immunoassay techniques to detect the presence of barbiturates or their metabolites.

What do the results mean?

Results are typically reported as either 'Positive' (barbiturates detected) or 'Negative' (no barbiturates detected). A positive result means barbiturates were found in your urine. This could be from a legitimate prescription, accidental exposure, or illicit use. A negative result means no barbiturates were detected, but it does not rule out use entirely—particularly if the test was done too long after last use.

Are there any limitations?

This is a screening test, meaning it provides a preliminary result. If positive, confirmatory testing may be needed to identify the specific type of barbiturate. Certain medications, dietary supplements, or medical conditions may affect results. The test can detect barbiturates for several days to weeks after last use, depending on the specific drug and individual factors.

Reference range

Negative (cutoff: typically 200-300 ng/mL depending on laboratory and methodology)N/A

Specimen: urine

No special patient preparation required. Patient should be informed about the purpose of the drug screen. Collect urine under observation if forensic chain-of-custody is required.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

How long do barbiturates stay in urine?
The detection window varies depending on the specific barbiturate, dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. Generally, short-acting barbiturates may be detectable for 1-4 days, while long-acting ones like phenobarbital can be detected for 2-3 weeks or longer with chronic use.
Can a positive result mean I took someone else's medication?
Yes, accidental exposure to someone else's prescription medication could potentially cause a positive result. However, the amount would typically be very low. If you believe your result is a false positive or due to second-hand exposure, discuss this with your healthcare provider who may recommend confirmatory testing.
Will a positive result show up on all drug tests?
No. This test specifically looks for barbiturates. Other drug panels (such as those testing for opioids, amphetamines, or cannabis) look for different substances and will not detect barbiturates unless that specific test is included.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for a urine drug screen. You can eat and drink normally before providing your urine sample. However, you should follow any specific instructions given by your healthcare provider or the testing facility.
Can over-the-counter medications cause a false positive?
Some over-the-counter medications and supplements have been reported to cause false positives on certain drug screens. However, barbiturate-specific tests are generally more accurate. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before the test.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Drug TestingSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Barbiturates Screen, UrineSource
  3. 3
    National Library of Medicine - BarbituratesSource

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy