Skip to content

Barbituratesuracnc

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

A urine test that detects barbiturates, a class of sedative-hypnotic drugs, in your urine sample.

Quick summary

{"This test checks if barbiturate medications are present in your urine","It is commonly used for drug screening, monitoring medication compliance, or detecting drug abuse","Results are typically reported as positive or negative","Certain medications and substances may cause false positives","Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
16430-1
Short code
URBARB
Synonyms
Barbiturates Ur-aCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile, screw-capped, leak-proof urine collection container; no preservative required for routine screening. For forensic or chain-of-custody testing, use tamper-evident container.
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
200
Critical range
— – 10000 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
Immunoassay (screening) with confirmation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
CPT
80307
SNOMED
129898004
Specimen volume
30-50 mL random urine; minimum 10 mL for analysis
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days for long-term storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–48 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Barbiturate Urine Test is a screening test that detects the presence of barbiturates in your urine. Barbiturates are a class of medications that act as central nervous system depressants, commonly prescribed for conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, seizure disorders, and as anesthesia pre-medication. Examples include phenobarbital, pentobarbital, and secobarbital.

How is the test performed?

You will be asked to provide a urine sample in a sterile container. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using immunoassay techniques. If the initial screening is positive, confirmatory testing (such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) may be performed to identify the specific type of barbiturate present.

Why might I need this test?

Your healthcare provider may order this test for several reasons: monitoring patients taking barbiturate medications to ensure proper dosing, pre-employment or random drug screening, evaluating suspected drug overdose, or as part of a comprehensive drug abuse assessment. It may also be used in forensic or legal settings.

What do the results mean?

Results are typically reported as either 'Positive' (barbiturates detected) or 'Negative' (no barbiturates detected). A positive result indicates recent barbiturate use. The test can usually detect barbiturates in urine for several days to weeks after use, depending on the specific drug and individual factors such as metabolism and kidney function.

Reference range

Negative: <200 ng/mL (cutoff varies by laboratory). Positive results indicate the presence of one or more barbiturate compounds above the assay threshold.N/A

Specimen: urine

No special patient preparation required. Patient should be informed about the purpose of the test. Informed consent may be required for workplace, legal, or forensic drug testing.

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 factors like metabolism and kidney function. Generally, short-acting barbiturates can be detected for 1-4 days, while long-acting ones like phenobarbital may be detectable for several weeks with chronic use.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for a urine barbiturate test. You can eat and drink normally before providing the sample. However, it is important to stay well-hydrated to produce an adequate urine sample.
Can over-the-counter medications cause a false positive result?
Certain prescription antibiotics (such as some cephalosporins), pain medications, and other drugs may potentially cause false positive results. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before the test.
Is this test confidential?
Yes, like all medical tests, your barbiturate test results are protected by privacy laws and are part of your confidential medical record. However, if the test is ordered for employment or legal purposes, the results may be shared with the requesting organization according to their specific policies.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Drug TestingSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Barbiturates, UrineSource
  3. 3
    LabCorp - Barbiturates, 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy