Barbituratesserplscnc
A blood test that measures the amount of barbiturates in your serum or plasma to monitor medication levels or detect drug use.
{"Measures barbiturate drug levels in blood (serum/plasma)","Used to monitor therapeutic dosing and detect toxicity","Helps doctors ensure safe and effective medication levels","Commonly ordered for patients taking barbiturates for seizures or sedation","Results help diagnose overdose or drug abuse"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 15100-1
- Short code
- BARBS
- Synonyms
- Barbiturates SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube or plasma separator tube (PST/heparin). Avoid gel barrier tubes when possible for toxicology screens.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 7.2
- Critical range
- — – 88 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (e.g., enzyme immunoassay, cloned enzyme donor immunoassay) or Chromatography (GC-MS, LC-MS/MS for confirmation)
- CPT
- 80307 (presumptive drug class screening, barbiturates); 80345 (definitive identification, barbiturates); G0480-G0483 (definitive drug testing depending on complexity)
- SNOMED
- 16740000 | Barbiturate measurement, serum (procedure)
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL of blood (minimum 1 mL serum/plasma)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 1-3 months. For extended storage, freeze at -70°C.
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 25
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Barbiturate blood test measures the concentration of barbiturate drugs in your blood serum or plasma. Barbiturates are prescription medications that depress the central nervous system, commonly used to treat seizures, induce sedation, or as anesthesia during surgery. Examples include phenobarbital, pentobarbital, and secobarbital.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test for several reasons: (1) Therapeutic Drug Monitoring - to ensure you have the right amount of medication in your system for effective treatment, (2) Toxicity Assessment - to check if you have dangerously high levels that could cause overdose symptoms, (3) Compliance Checking - to verify you are taking your medication as prescribed, or (4) Diagnosis - to investigate symptoms that may be related to barbiturate use or withdrawal.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood will be collected in a tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes. You may experience slight discomfort or bruising at the injection site, but serious complications are rare.
What do the results mean?
Results are typically reported as a concentration (such as mcg/mL or mg/L). Your doctor will interpret your results based on the specific barbiturate you are taking, your medical condition, and other factors. Therapeutic levels vary depending on the medication and its purpose. Both very low and very high levels may require dose adjustments.
Are there any risks?
The risks associated with this test are minimal. You may experience slight pain, bruising, or bleeding at the puncture site. In rare cases, fainting or infection may occur. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners, inform your healthcare provider before the test.
Reference range
NCBI: Uric Acid Male 3.5-7.2 mg/dL; Female 2.5-6.8 mg/dLN/A
No fasting required. Specimen should be collected prior to administration of additional barbiturate doses when monitoring therapy. Avoid drawing from arm with IV infusion.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
Can the test detect all types of barbiturates?
What happens if my levels are too high?
Will the test show if I took barbiturates days ago?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy