Benzodiazstlql
This test checks if benzodiazepine medications are present in your stool sample.
{"Detects sedative medications (like Valium, Xanax, Ativan) in stool","Used to monitor medication compliance or investigate unexplained symptoms","Stool sample is collected at home following specific instructions","Results help doctors understand if certain medications were taken"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12359-6
- Short code
- BENZS
- Synonyms
- Benzodiaz Stl Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Clean, dry, wide-mouthed plastic stool collection container with leak-proof screw-cap lid; sterile container preferred for toxicology testing
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (qualitative screening); confirmation by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 441974008
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 grams of stool (approximately 1-2 tablespoons)
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Transport to laboratory within 24 hours of collection if kept at room temperature.
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Benzodiazepines (Stool) test is a laboratory analysis that detects the presence of benzodiazepines in your stool. Benzodiazepines are a class of prescription medications commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures. Common examples include diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), and clonazepam (Klonopin).
How is the sample collected?
You will receive a special collection container from your healthcare provider. Collect a small amount of stool (about the size of a walnut) in a clean, dry container. Avoid mixing urine or water with the sample. Label the container with your name and the date, then transport it to the laboratory as instructed. Your doctor may provide specific timing instructions for when to collect the sample.
What do the results mean?
Results are typically reported as 'Positive' (benzodiazepines detected) or 'Negative' (no benzodiazepines detected). A positive result indicates that benzodiazepine medications or their breakdown products (metabolites) were found in your stool. This can help your doctor determine if you have been taking these medications as prescribed, or if exposure has occurred from other sources.
Reference range
Negative (drug not detected above the assay cutoff threshold). Cutoff concentration typically 50 ng/g for most benzodiazepine analytes in stool matrix.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Patient should collect stool specimen in a clean, dry, wide-mouthed container avoiding contamination with urine or water. No dietary restrictions necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to stop taking my medication before this test?
How long do benzodiazepines stay in stool?
Will this test show all types of benzodiazepines?
Is the test confidential?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy