Benzodiazepinespnlur
A urine test that detects the presence of benzodiazepines, a class of commonly prescribed sedative medications.
{"This test checks for benzodiazepines (like Xanax, Valium, Ativan) in your urine","It helps doctors monitor medication compliance or detect potential drug misuse","Results typically show whether benzodiazepines are present or absent","Follow your doctor's instructions regarding medication before testing","Always inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53745-6
- Short code
- BENZO-PANEL
- Synonyms
- Benzodiazepines Pnl Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine container without preservatives; red-top or yellow-top urine transport tube for chain-of-custody specimens
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 100
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Screen) with Confirmation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 102374008
- Specimen volume
- 30-50 mL random urine specimen; minimum 10 mL required for analysis
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days for long-term storage
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Benzodiazepines Panel is a urine test that detects the presence of benzodiazepines—a class of prescription medications commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), and temazepam (Restoril).
Why is this test ordered?
Your doctor may order this test for several reasons: to monitor whether you are taking your prescribed medication as directed, to check for medication compliance during addiction treatment programs, to evaluate unexplained symptoms that may be related to benzodiazepine use, or as part of a broader drug screening panel. It may also be used in emergency situations to help diagnose overdose or poisoning.
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 immunoassay techniques and sometimes confirmatory testing like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for more accurate results.
Understanding your results
Results are typically reported as either positive (benzodiazepines detected) or negative (no benzodiazepates detected). A positive result indicates that benzodiazepines or their metabolites were found in your urine. The specific level detected may vary depending on the medication, dosage, and time since last use. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your medical history and current medications.
Reference range
Negative: <100 ng/mL (cutoff); Positive results indicate the presence of benzodiazepines or their metabolites above the established screening threshold. Specific drug identification requires confirmatory testing.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. Patients should be advised to disclose all current medications, including prescribed benzodiazepines, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements, as these may cause positive results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long do benzodiazepines stay in urine?
Does a positive result mean I am taking too much medication?
Can over-the-counter medications or supplements affect the results?
What should I do if my test is positive?
Is there any special preparation needed for this test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy