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Serum Concentration of Secobarbital

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the amount of secobarbital, a barbiturate medication, in your blood. Secobarbital is used to treat insomnia or seizures but can be dangerous if misused or taken in excess.

Quick summary

["Secobarbital levels help doctors assess drug exposure, monitor treatment, or investigate poisoning or overdose situations."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
17573-7
Short code
Secobarbital Gast-mCnc
Synonyms
Secobarbital Gast-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve been prescribed secobarbital, if you’ve experienced symptoms like confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty breathing that could be linked to its use, or if you’ve been exposed to it accidentally or intentionally.

What Does the Test Involve?

A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure the amount of secobarbital present.

What Are Common Symptoms?

High levels of secobarbital can cause symptoms such as extreme drowsiness, slurred speech, confusion, slow breathing, or loss of consciousness. Low or undetectable levels may indicate recent discontinuation or inadequate dosing.

How Is the Test Performed?

The test uses a specialized laboratory method to detect and quantify secobarbital in your blood serum. Results are reported as a concentration in micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL) or another relevant unit.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Secobarbital Level

Frequently asked questions

What does a high secobarbital level mean?
A high level suggests you may have taken too much secobarbital, either intentionally or accidentally. This could lead to serious health risks, including respiratory depression or coma. Your doctor may need to monitor you closely or adjust your treatment plan.
Can this test be used to detect secobarbital in other fluids?
This test specifically measures secobarbital in blood serum. Other tests may be needed for urine or other fluids if you’ve been exposed through ingestion or other routes.
How soon after taking secobarbital will this test show results?
Blood levels of secobarbital can peak within hours after ingestion, but results may take several days to process and report. Timing depends on your metabolism and the dose taken.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy