Serum or Plasma Concentration of Secobarbital (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of secobarbital, a barbiturate medication, in your blood. It’s often used to check drug levels in cases of overdose, poisoning, or therapeutic drug monitoring.
["This test helps assess exposure to secobarbital, a sedative-hypnotic drug, for medical decision-making."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12489-1
- Short code
- Secobarbital Gast Ql
- Synonyms
- Secobarbital Gast Ql
- 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 exposed to secobarbital (e.g., accidental overdose, intentional misuse, or suspected poisoning). It can also be used to monitor levels in patients on long-term therapy, though this is less common for secobarbital due to its short half-life and risks.
What Does the Result Indicate?
High levels may suggest recent exposure, overdose, or improper dosing. Very low or undetectable levels indicate little to no presence of the drug in your system. Results are not used alone for diagnosis but are part of a broader evaluation.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is processed to separate serum or plasma for testing. Secobarbital is measured using a sensitive analytical method, often high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or immunoassay.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but inform your provider about all medications, supplements, or recent illnesses. Avoid eating or drinking for 8–12 hours before the test if instructed, though this is less critical for blood draws.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated secobarbital levels can indicate acute poisoning, which may require immediate medical attention, including supportive care or antidotes. Chronic exposure at therapeutic doses is rare due to the drug’s short half-life and high toxicity. Results guide treatment decisions, such as monitoring for respiratory depression or adjusting care in critical cases.
Short name
Secobarbital Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What if my results are abnormal?
Can I take this test at home?
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