Benzodiaztestedurscn
This test detects benzodiazepine drugs in your urine to help monitor medication use or screen for drug abuse.
{"The test checks for benzodiazepine drugs (like Valium, Xanax, Ativan) in urine","It is used to monitor prescribed medication levels or detect potential drug misuse","Results are typically reported as positive or negative","A positive result does not indicate the amount or timing of use","Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19279-9
- Short code
- BENZO-U
- Synonyms
- Benzodiaz Tested Ur Scn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container without preservative
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- screen
- CPT
- 80307
- SNOMED
- 1965002
- Specimen volume
- 30-50 mL of random urine
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The urine benzodiazepine screening test detects the presence of benzodiazepine drugs 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).
How is the test performed?
A urine sample is collected in a sterile container. The sample is then analyzed using immunoassay screening methods to detect the presence of benzodiazepines or their metabolites. If the screening test is positive, confirmatory testing may be performed to identify specific drugs.
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 drug misuse or abuse, to evaluate unexplained symptoms, or as part of a routine drug screening (such as before surgery or for employment).
How to prepare for the test?
No special preparation is usually needed. However, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as some substances may affect test results. Certain prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and even some foods may potentially cause false-positive results.
Reference range
Negative (cutoff typically 200 ng/mL or 300 ng/mL depending on assay). Positive screen results should be confirmed by GC-MS or LC-MS/MS.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Patient should be informed that certain prescribed medications may produce a positive result.
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 a positive result occur from prescribed medication?
What can cause a false positive result?
Will the test show how much drug I took?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy