Serum Concentration of Secobarbital (Barbiturate Level)
This test measures the amount of secobarbital, a barbiturate medication, in your blood. It helps assess drug levels, especially in cases of overdose or monitoring therapeutic use.
["This test helps determine if you’re taking the correct dose of secobarbital or if levels are dangerously high."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110248-2
- Short code
- Secobarbital Msmt SerPl
- Synonyms
- Secobarbital Msmt SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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, slow breathing, or unconsciousness, or if you’ve taken an overdose. It’s also used to monitor levels in patients with chronic use or addiction.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. The process takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. If drawn from a vein, you might experience mild bruising or soreness afterward.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from your arm or vein. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using a specialized method to measure secobarbital concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL). High levels may indicate overdose, improper dosing, or drug interactions. Low levels may suggest insufficient medication absorption or recent discontinuation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Secobarbital is a potent sedative and can be life-threatening at high levels. Elevated levels may require immediate medical attention, including supportive care or antidote administration. Chronic use can lead to dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal symptoms. This test is critical for managing risks associated with barbiturate exposure.
Short name
Secobarbital Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Is there anything I should avoid before the test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy