Benzodiazfldqlscn
This test checks for the presence of benzodiazepines (a type of sedative medication) in your blood.
{"Detects benzodiazepine medications in blood serum","Used to monitor medication levels or check for drug use","Results indicate presence or absence, not specific drug levels","Sample is collected through a blood draw","Follow your doctor's instructions regarding medication before testing"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 79222-6
- Short code
- BENZO
- Synonyms
- Benzodiaz Fld Ql Scn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 100
- Ref high
- 300
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- screen
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 362982003
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL of whole blood (yielding 2-5 mL of serum)
- Stability
- Serum stable at room temperature for 24 hours; refrigerated at 2-8°C for up to 7 days; frozen at -20°C or below for up to 30 days for prolonged storage. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 500
- Icterus max
- 25
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Benzodiazepine Screen test is a blood test that detects whether benzodiazepine medications are present in your body. Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription drugs commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Common examples include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin). This screening test uses a method to identify if any benzodiazepine-type substances are in your blood sample.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. This blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test looks for the presence of benzodiazepines in your serum (the liquid part of your blood). You do not need to fast or make any special preparations unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
What do the results mean?
Your test result will typically be reported as either 'Positive' (benzodiazepines detected) or 'Negative' (no benzodiazepines detected). A positive result means benzodiazepines were found in your blood. A negative result means no benzodiazepines were detected at the screening threshold. It is important to discuss your results with your doctor, who will interpret them in the context of your medical history and current medications.
Reference range
Negative (cutoff typically 100-300 ng/mL depending on assay and specific benzodiazepine)N/A
No fasting required. Inform the ordering physician of all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and recent food or beverage intake prior to specimen collection as benzodiazepines and related compounds may interfere with assay results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long do benzodiazepines stay in your blood?
Do I need to stop my benzodiazepine medication before the test?
Can this test show how much benzodiazepine I took?
Will a positive result show up on a drug test for employment?
Sources
- 1
- 2
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy