Laboratory Lab results are too important to go anywhere else.

Barbiturate Confirmation, Urine

Urine Barbiturates Screen, Downers, Yellows, Blues, Bluebirds, Rainbows, Reds, Red Devils, M&M's, Barbiturates Screen, Urine

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB6917, BRBCF

Department

Toxicology

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: 50 mL random urine in a screw-capped container (preferred) or other sterile collection cup with no preservative. (Minimum: 30 mL)

• Refrigerate the specimen immediately after collection.
• Record the exact time of specimen collection on the container or in the computer system.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 50 mL urine, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 30 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.
• Urine Vacutainer^® tubes. Urine received in a glass or plastic tube with a rubber stopper may contain insufficient sample volume, preclude confirmatory testing, and give rise to contaminants and artifacts. 

In-Lab Processing

Analyze specimen immediately upon receipt in the Laboratory.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 72 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 3 months

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Toxicology Laboratory Royal Oak

Performed

Results available within 3-5 business days. 

Test Methodology

Gas Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS).

The confirmation component of this test was developed by Beaumont Health. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. The laboratory is regulated under CLIA as qualified to perform high-complexity testing. This test is used for clinical purposes and should not be regarded as investigational or for research.

Interpretation

Drugs identified: Phenobarb, Butalbital, Secobarb, Pentobarb

Concentrations of drugs and/or metabolite(s) detected in urine have not been correlated to drug levels in the bloodstream or with the degree of impairment. The presence of a drug and/or metabolite(s) in urine is only an indication of previous drug exposure. It may be appropriate to request serum quantitation to assess the extent of toxicity.

Clinical Utility

Barbiturates are central nervous system depressants. They are used therapeutically as sedatives, hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. The legal availability of barbiturates has declined but they remain frequently abused sedatives or hypnotic drugs. The most commonly abused barbiturates are the short-acting compounds such as secobarbital, pentobarbital and amobarbital. Tolerance to these drugs can develop from chronic use and death may occur from overdose.

CPT Codes

80345 (alternate: G0479, G0480).
LOINC: 70155-7, 20421-4

Contacts

Last Updated

12/6/2022