Barbiturate (including secobarbital) concentration in urine
This test checks for the presence of barbiturate drugs, including secobarbital, in your urine. Barbiturates are a class of sedative-hypnotic medications that may be detected in your system after use.
["This screening helps identify recent drug exposure that may require medical evaluation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16238-8
- Short code
- Secobarbital Ur Cfm-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Secobarbital Ur Cfm-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- confirm
- 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 have symptoms like drowsiness, confusion, or unusual behavior that could be linked to drug use. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for substance exposure, especially in cases of suspected poisoning or after a recent medical procedure.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a urine sample in a private area of the lab or clinic. If this is part of a larger evaluation, follow any specific instructions given by your provider.
What the Test Results Mean
A positive result indicates the presence of barbiturates in your urine, which may mean recent use. The exact amount (if measurable) can help determine the timing and potential severity of exposure. Results are qualitative (positive/negative) unless specified otherwise.
Possible Outcomes and Next Steps
If the test is positive, your provider may order further testing (like a urine drug confirmation test) or recommend medical evaluation to assess your health and guide treatment. A negative result means no detectable barbiturates were found in your urine at the time of testing.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Barbiturates can be dangerous, especially in high doses or when mixed with other substances. High levels may indicate poisoning, which can cause severe symptoms like slowed breathing, coma, or even death. This test helps identify exposure for timely medical intervention, especially in cases of suspected overdose or accidental ingestion.
Short name
Urine Barbiturate Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can I drink water before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
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