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Barbituratesurqlscn200ngml

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

A urine test to detect the presence of barbiturates, a class of sedative medications, in your system.

Quick summary

{"This test checks if barbiturates (sedative drugs) are present in your urine","It is commonly used for medication monitoring or drug screening","Results are reported as positive or negative based on a threshold of 200 ng/mL","A positive result may indicate legitimate medication use or substance exposure","Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
70155-7
Short code
BARB-U
Synonyms
Barbiturates Ur Ql Scn>200 ng/mL
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container; preferred screw-cap, tamper-evident container without preservative
Units
N/A
Ref low
3.5
Ref high
7.2
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
screen-ng-ml
CPT
80307
SNOMED
250689005
Specimen volume
30-50 mL random urine; minimum 10 mL required for screening
Stability
Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days for confirmation testing. Room temperature: not recommended beyond 24 hours due to bacterial growth and potential degradation.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Barbiturates Urine Screen is a diagnostic test that detects the presence of barbiturates in your urine. Barbiturates are a class of prescription medications that act as central nervous system depressants. They are typically prescribed for conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and seizure disorders. This screening test uses a method that can identify whether the level of barbiturates in your urine exceeds 200 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).

How is the test performed?

A urine sample is collected in a sterile container. You may be asked to provide a clean-catch sample to avoid contamination. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using screening methods to detect the presence and concentration of barbiturates. The test is qualitative, meaning it primarily indicates whether barbiturates are present above the detection threshold (positive) or not detected (negative).

What do the results mean?

A 'positive' result means that barbiturates were detected in your urine at a concentration greater than 200 ng/mL. This could indicate that you are taking a barbiturate medication as prescribed, or it could suggest recent use of these medications. A 'negative' result means no barbiturates were detected above the testing threshold. It is important to discuss your results with your healthcare provider, who will interpret them in the context of your medical history and current medications.

Are there any risks or special preparations?

This test has no known risks. There is typically no special preparation needed, though you should inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Some substances may potentially cause false-positive or false-negative results. Drinking normal amounts of fluids before the test is acceptable.

Reference range

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

Specimen: urine

No special preparation required. Patient should be informed that certain prescription and over-the-counter medications may produce positive results. Collect urine prior to administration of medications if baseline testing is desired.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings2

Frequently asked questions

Will a positive result mean I am taking illegal drugs?
Not necessarily. Barbiturates are legal prescription medications when prescribed by a healthcare provider. A positive result may simply indicate that you are taking your prescribed barbiturate medication. Always disclose all medications you are taking to your healthcare provider to ensure proper interpretation of results.
How long do barbiturates stay in urine?
The detection window varies depending on the specific barbiturate, dosage, frequency of use, and individual metabolism. Generally, barbiturates can be detected in urine for several days to weeks after last use. Short-acting barbiturates may be detectable for 2-4 days, while long-acting ones like phenobarbital may be detectable for 2-3 weeks.
Can this test give false results?
While rare, false results can occur. False positives may result from certain medications or supplements that cross-react with the test. False negatives may occur if the sample is diluted or if the test is performed too long after barbiturate use. If results are critical, confirmatory testing using more specific methods may be performed.
Do I need to fast before this test?
No fasting is required for a urine barbiturate screen. You can eat and drink normally before providing the sample. However, avoid excessive fluid intake immediately before the test, as this may dilute the urine and potentially affect results.
Who should not take this test?
There are no specific contraindications for this test. However, if you have concerns about privacy or the implications of results, discuss them with your healthcare provider before the test.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - Barbiturate ScreenSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Barbiturates, UrineSource
  3. 3
    ARUP Laboratories - Barbiturates, Urine, QualitativeSource

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