What is this test?
Barbiturate urine test is a laboratory test to detect presence of barbiturates in the urine. Presence of barbiturates in the urine indicates drug usage such as amobarbital, phenobarbital, pentobarbital, butalbital, and secobarbital. Phenobarbital can be present in the urine for up to 30 days.
Why is this test performed?
- To detect barbiturate abuse
- Identification of barbiturate
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
This test identifies and confirms the presence of barbiturates in the urine. Short- and intermediate-acting barbiturates can be detected in urine for at least 24 to 72 hours following ingestion, longer-acting drugs for at least seven days.
- How is the test performed?
This test is performed on a urine sample. Use plastic urine drug bottle and tamper seal for the specimen. Collection kits are available by request from the laboratory.
- What are the side-effects of using barbiturates?
When used according to instructions, the most common side effects of barbiturates are drowsiness, relaxation, and feeling sick.
More serious side effects of barbiturate use may include:
- lack of coordination
- headache
- vomiting
- confusion
- problems with remembering things
- respiratory arrest and death
- What are the risks of using barbiturates?
Death from overdose is the most significant risk associated with barbiturate use.
Symptoms of an overdose include:
- lack of coordination
- slurred speech
- difficulty in thinking
- poor judgment
- drowsiness
- shallow breathing
- kidney failure
- coma
- death
How much urine sample is required?
Urine sample should be at least 10ml or the sample might be rejected.
How to take the sample?
- Clean your hands and genitals
- Pour mid-stream urine in a sterile container
- Avoid contact of container with genitals
- Wash your hands properly.
Positive or negative.
Interpretation of test results:
Positive: Use of drug in the past 3 days except for phenobarbital which can be present in the urine for more than a week.
Negative: No drug use if value is under the cut-off.
WHY IS THIS TEST PERFORMED?
The urine test can indicate the presence of most barbiturates in the body. Barbiturates are occasionally used by doctors to treat the following conditions:
- seizure disorder (epilepsy)
- migraines
- jaundice
- increased pressure in the skull
- some types of convulsions
- Barbiturates can also be used as a form of anesthetic.
- alcohol and benzodiazepine poisoning and withdrawal
However, they are not a popular drug because of the risk of poor outcomes and adverse effects.
