Benzodiazsalql
This test detects the presence of benzodiazepine medications in your saliva to help monitor drug therapy or check for drug use.
{"A saliva test detects benzodiazepines like Valium, Xanax, or Ativan","It helps doctors monitor proper medication use or check for drug exposure","The test uses a simple saliva sample collected from your mouth","Results can show if benzodiazepines are present in your system","It is often used for monitoring patients on long-term benzodiazepine therapy"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72616-6
- Short code
- BENZSAL
- Synonyms
- Benzodiaz Sal Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Saliva collection device (oral fluid collection tube with buffer or absorbent pad collection system, e.g., Quantisal, Intercept, or OraSure)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (screening) with confirmation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 272147009
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of oral fluid (minimum 0.5 mL depending on device)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Benzodiazepines Saliva Test is a laboratory test that detects the presence of benzodiazepine drugs in your saliva (oral fluid). 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).
How is the sample collected?
A healthcare provider will collect a saliva sample by asking you to swab the inside of your mouth with a special collection device or by having you spit into a container. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. This method is non-invasive and can be done easily in a clinic or doctor's office.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test for several reasons: to monitor if you are taking your prescribed benzodiazepine medication as directed, to check for compliance with a treatment plan, to detect unauthorized use of benzodiazepines, or to evaluate symptoms if benzodiazepine overdose is suspected. It may also be used in certain employment or legal settings where drug testing is required.
What do the results mean?
The test result will typically indicate whether benzodiazepines were detected (positive) or not detected (negative) in your saliva. A positive result means benzodiazepines were found in your saliva sample. A negative result means no benzodiazepines were detected. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your medical history, current medications, and the reason for testing.
Reference range
Negative (cutoff: typically 1-10 ng/mL depending on assay; common salivary cutoff is 5 ng/mL for benzodiazepines)N/A
Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use oral hygiene products for at least 10-30 minutes prior to specimen collection. Rinse mouth with water prior to collection if needed. Inform the laboratory of all prescription and over-the-counter medications currently being taken.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
How long do benzodiazepines stay detectable in saliva?
Do I need to prepare for the test?
Will the test show exactly which benzodiazepine I took?
Is this test the same as a blood test for benzodiazepines?
Can a saliva test give false results?
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