Benzodiazmsmtur
A urine test that detects the presence of benzodiazepine medications in your system.
{"This test checks for benzodiazepines (anti-anxiety/sedative medications) in urine","Used to monitor medication compliance or detect drug misuse","Results are typically qualitative (positive/negative) rather than quantitative","Common benzodiazepines include diazepam, alprazolam, and lorazepam"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111407-3
- Short code
- BENZO-U
- Synonyms
- Benzodiaz Msmt Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, preservative-free urine collection cup; amber-colored container preferred to protect from light degradation
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 99
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay screening (e.g., EIA/EMIT) with confirmatory Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 25076003
- Specimen volume
- 30-50 mL (minimum 10 mL required for testing)
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): up to 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 1 month for confirmatory testing. Room temperature stability limited to 24-48 hours.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Benzodiazepines Urine Test is a laboratory test that detects the presence of benzodiazepines in your urine. Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription medications commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and muscle spasms. Examples include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin).
This test uses immunoassay techniques to identify whether benzodiazepines or their metabolites are present in your urine sample. It is typically performed as a screening test and may be followed by confirmatory testing if needed.
Why is this test performed?
This test may be ordered for several reasons: 1) To monitor patient compliance with prescribed benzodiazepine therapy, 2) To detect potential misuse or abuse of benzodiazepines, 3) As part of a comprehensive drug screening panel, 4) To evaluate unexplained symptoms that may be related to benzodiazepine use, or 5) In emergency situations to help diagnose overdose.
How should I prepare for this test?
No special preparation is typically required for this test. Simply provide a urine sample as instructed by your healthcare provider. It is important to inform your doctor about all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements, as certain substances may affect test results.
What do the results mean?
Results are typically reported as either positive or negative. A positive result indicates that benzodiazepines or their metabolites were detected in your urine. A negative result means no benzodiazepines were detected, or levels were below the test's detection threshold. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results in the context of your medical history and current medications.
Reference range
Negative: <100 ng/mL (screening cutoff may vary by laboratory and assay); Positive: ≥100 ng/mL indicates presence of benzodiazepines or metabolites. Confirmatory testing required for quantitative identification.N/A
No fasting required. Patients should be informed that certain prescription and over-the-counter medications may produce positive results. Direct observation of collection may be required for forensic or workplace drug testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
How long do benzodiazepines stay in urine?
Can this test distinguish between different types of benzodiazepines?
Will a positive result affect my employment?
What can cause a false positive result?
Is this test painful?
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