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Barbiturate (Drug Screening) in Serum or Plasma

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

This test checks for the presence of barbiturate drugs—medications used historically for sedation, seizures, or anesthesia—in your blood.

Quick summary

["A barbiturate screen helps identify if certain medications were taken recently, which may be important for medical evaluation or legal purposes."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
82968-9
Short code
Secobarbital SerPlBld Cfm-mCnc
Synonyms
Secobarbital SerPlBld Cfm-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
confirm
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 This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve experienced symptoms like drowsiness, confusion, or unusual behavior that could be linked to barbiturate use. It may also be part of a broader drug screening, especially in cases of overdose suspicion, workplace testing, or legal investigations.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is collected in a tube and sent to the lab for analysis.

What the Test Results Mean

Results are qualitative (positive or negative) and indicate whether barbiturates were detected in your blood. A positive result means the drug was present at detectable levels, but the exact amount isn’t reported. Follow-up testing may be needed for confirmation or further evaluation.

Common Reasons for Testing

Barbiturates can be dangerous, even in small amounts. A positive result may trigger further medical assessment to determine the cause of symptoms, assess risk of overdose, or support legal or workplace decisions.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Barbiturate Screen

Frequently asked questions

What does a positive result mean?
A positive result suggests recent barbiturate exposure, which could indicate misuse, accidental ingestion, or medical use. It’s important to discuss the findings with your doctor to understand next steps, such as monitoring for withdrawal symptoms or managing underlying conditions.
How soon after use can the drug be detected?
Barbiturates can be detected in blood for varying periods depending on the specific drug and metabolism. Some may be detectable for hours, while others can linger for days. Your healthcare provider will consider the timing of symptoms and test results when interpreting results.
Can this test detect all types of barbiturates?
This test screens for a broad category of barbiturates, including older medications like phenobarbital or amobarbital. However, newer or synthetic barbiturate-like substances may not be included. Always confirm with your provider which drugs are being tested for.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy