Benzodiazgastql
This test detects the presence of benzodiazepines in gastric fluid to monitor medication use or investigate potential overdose.
{"Detects benzodiazepine medications in stomach fluid","Used to check medication compliance or suspected overdose","Results help doctors diagnose and treat poisoning"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12364-6
- Short code
- BENZGAS
- Synonyms
- Benzodiaz Gast Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof plastic container (gastric aspirate container); no preservative required
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 100
- Ref high
- 200
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (qualitative screening) with confirmation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 335336001
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 mL of gastric fluid (aspirate or lavage)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. For benzodiazepine analysis, refrigerate if not analyzed within 24 hours.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Benzodiazepines test looks for the presence of benzodiazepine drugs in your gastric fluid (stomach contents). Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription medications commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Examples include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), and lorazepam (Ativan).
How is the sample collected?
A healthcare provider will collect a sample of gastric fluid, usually through a nasogastric (NG) tube or during an endoscopy procedure. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why is this test performed?
This test may be ordered to: monitor if a patient is taking their prescribed benzodiazepine medication, evaluate suspected accidental or intentional overdose, or assist in forensic or toxicology investigations.
Reference range
Negative (no benzodiazepines detected). Cutoff threshold: typically 100-200 ng/mL depending on assay. A positive screen result requires confirmatory testing for definitive identification and quantitation.N/A
No fasting required. Specimen should be collected as soon as possible following suspected ingestion or overdose for maximum diagnostic value. Document the time of suspected ingestion if known.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result always mean overdose?
How long do benzodiazepines stay in gastric fluid?
Is this test painful?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy