Barbiturate Screening (Qualitative Urine)
This test checks for the presence of barbiturate drugs in your urine, often used to detect recent use of sedative medications.
["Detects recent barbiturate use for medical or legal evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 3373-8
- Short code
- Deprecated Barbiturate Scn Absent Ur
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Barbiturate Scn Absent Ur
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 7.2
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve been exposed to barbiturates, suspected of substance use, or experiencing symptoms like drowsiness, confusion, or slowed breathing that could be related to these drugs. It’s also used in overdose evaluations or during monitoring for substance abuse treatment.
How the Test Works
The test uses a urine sample to detect specific chemicals from barbiturate drugs, such as phenobarbital or amobarbital, through a qualitative method. Results are either positive (drug detected) or negative (no detectable drug).
Sample Collection
You’ll provide a urine sample, typically collected in a clean container at a lab or clinic. Follow instructions given by your healthcare provider to ensure accuracy.
What to Expect After the Test
Results are usually available within hours to a few days. If positive, further testing (like a quantitative urine drug screen) may be needed to identify the specific drug and confirm levels. Follow-up may include discussions about substance use, safety, or treatment options.
Reference range
NCBI: Uric Acid Male 3.5-7.2 mg/dL; Female 2.5-6.8 mg/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Barbiturates Urine Screen
Frequently asked questions
Barbiturate screening helps identify acute exposure, assess overdose risk, or evaluate compliance with substance-use programs. It’s critical for managing patients with chronic conditions (e.g., epilepsy) who may be prescribed barbiturates long-term.
How long does it take to get results?
Can I drink water before giving my urine sample?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy