Skip to content

Benzodiazurscnc

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

A urine test that detects the presence of benzodiazepine medications in your system.

Quick summary

{"Tests for benzodiazepine drugs like Valium, Xanax, or Ativan in urine","Used to monitor medication compliance or detect drug misuse","Results typically available within a few days","May be ordered for pre-employment, legal, or medical reasons","Positive results may require confirmation with more specific testing"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
52955-2
Short code
BENZUR
Synonyms
Benzodiaz Ur-sCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
urine
Container
Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container without preservative (plastic screw-cap container); chain-of-custody container if required for medico-legal testing.
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
100
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
395112001
Specimen volume
30-50 mL of random urine (minimum 10 mL)
Stability
Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. For forensic specimens, follow chain-of-custody stability guidelines.
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Benzodiazepine Urine Test is a screening 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 can determine if these medications or their metabolites are present in your body.

Why is this test performed?

Your healthcare provider may order this test for several reasons: to monitor if you are taking your prescribed medication as directed, to check for medication compliance during treatment, to evaluate suspected drug misuse or overdose, or for pre-employment, legal, or forensic purposes. It may also be used in emergency settings to help diagnose unexplained symptoms like excessive drowsiness or confusion.

How is the test done?

A urine sample is collected in a sterile container. You will be given instructions on how to collect a 'clean catch' sample to avoid contamination. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed using immunoassay techniques. If the initial screening is positive, confirmatory testing may be performed using more specific methods like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

What do the results mean?

A negative result means no benzodiazepines or their metabolites were detected in your urine at the time of testing. A positive result indicates that benzodiazepines were detected, but does not necessarily mean misuse—legitimate prescription use will also show positive. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in the context of your medical history and prescribed medications.

Reference range

Negative: < 100 ng/mL (cutoff varies by laboratory and assay). Positive results indicate presence of benzodiazepines or their metabolites above the established threshold.N/A

Specimen: urine

No fasting required. Patient should be informed that certain prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements may cause false-positive results. Collect sample under chain-of-custody procedures if required for forensic or workplace testing.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

How long do benzodiazepines stay in urine?
Benzodiazepines can typically be detected in urine for 1-6 days after last use, depending on the specific drug, dose, and individual factors like metabolism and kidney function. Long-acting benzodiazepines like diazepam may be detectable longer than short-acting ones like alprazolam.
Will a positive test show my exact medication?
Standard urine screening tests detect the general class of benzodiazepines but may not identify the specific drug. If more detailed information is needed, confirmatory testing can identify the exact medication present.
Can foods or other substances cause a false positive?
Certain foods and medications can potentially cause false positive results in initial screening tests. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and foods you have consumed. Any positive screening result should be confirmed with more specific testing.
Do I need to prepare for the test?
No special preparation is typically needed. You should continue taking your prescribed medications as directed unless your healthcare provider instructs otherwise. Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking to your appointment.
Are there risks to this test?
Urine collection is generally safe and non-invasive. There are minimal risks, though some people may experience minor discomfort during sample collection. The test itself does not pose any health risks.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - BenzodiazepineSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic - Drug TestingSource
  3. 3
    Lab Tests Online - BenzodiazepinesSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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