Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs

Does a drug test detect Alprazolam?

Yes. Alprazolam is one of the 76 compounds in the LabX LC-MS/MS confirmation panel, reported as detected at or above 30 ng/mL. The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Benzodiazepines line, but how strongly a screen reacts to Alprazolam varies, so a negative screen does not rule it out. Laboratory confirmation measures Alprazolam specifically.

30 ng/mLLaboratory cut-off
30–3,000 ng/mLReportable range
1-5 daysApprox. window (varies)
LC-MS/MSConfirmation method

What is Alprazolam?

Alprazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine, a class of sedative medicines. The body converts it into alpha-hydroxyalprazolam.

Also known as or found in: Xanax.

Medical use

Alprazolam is prescribed for anxiety disorders and panic disorder.

How LabX tests for Alprazolam

Alprazolam is measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which separates the compounds in a sample and identifies each one by its mass. That is different from a rapid screen, which reacts to a family of drugs and can occasionally react to a related substance. The laboratory reports Alprazolam as detected when its concentration is at or above the cut-off of 30 ng/mL, within a reportable range of 30–3,000 ng/mL. It is one of 8 compounds in the benzodiazepines and z-drugs family on the 76-drug confirmation panel.

Detection window

The laboratory's confirmation report lists an approximate detection window of 1-5 days for Alprazolam. Treat that as a rough guide only: how long any compound stays measurable varies with the amount taken, how often it is used, body composition, metabolism, kidney and liver function, and hydration. A laboratory result cannot be used to work out when a substance was taken.

Screen versus confirmation

The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Benzodiazepines line, but how strongly a screen reacts to Alprazolam varies, so a negative screen does not rule it out. Laboratory confirmation measures Alprazolam specifically.

Worth knowing

Benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, have been reported in cases where drinks were spiked. Our confirmation measures alprazolam and its metabolite; a laboratory result cannot establish how or when a substance was taken.

About this drug family

Prescription sedatives and sleep medicines and their metabolites. Standard screens detect individual benzodiazepines unevenly, so confirmation identifies each one.

Common questions

Does a drug test detect Alprazolam?

Yes. Alprazolam is one of the 76 compounds in the LabX LC-MS/MS confirmation panel, reported as detected at or above 30 ng/mL. The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Benzodiazepines line, but how strongly a screen reacts to Alprazolam varies, so a negative screen does not rule it out. Laboratory confirmation measures Alprazolam specifically.

What is the laboratory cut-off for Alprazolam?

LabX reports Alprazolam as detected at or above 30 ng/mL, and the method's reportable range is 30–3,000 ng/mL. A result below the cut-off is reported as not detected; it does not prove none was present.

How long can Alprazolam be detected?

The laboratory lists an approximate window of 1-5 days, but it varies with dose, frequency of use, metabolism and hydration, and cannot be used to tell when something was taken.

Can a 12-panel drug screen detect Alprazolam?

The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Benzodiazepines line, but how strongly a screen reacts to Alprazolam varies, so a negative screen does not rule it out. Laboratory confirmation measures Alprazolam specifically.

Is Alprazolam a prescription medicine?

Alprazolam is prescribed for anxiety disorders and panic disorder.

Related compounds

Terms on this page: metabolite Β· cut-off Β· detection window Β· presumptive result Β· confirmation test. More questions: LabX answers.

Test for Alprazolam and 75 other compounds

12-panel urine $89 or fingerstick blood $99, plus the 76-drug LC-MS/MS confirmation for +$89.

At-home drug tests and test kits are not currently available to addresses in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island or California. Results are not a diagnosis β€” review them with a licensed physician.

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Talk to a licensed physician. LabX Diagnostics and Vantage provide laboratory testing only. The information on this page is educational and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider about test results, symptoms or medicines, and before making any health decision. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911. Read our medical disclaimer.

Medical disclaimer. LabX Diagnostics and Vantage provide laboratory testing only. Test results and information on this site are for informational purposes and are not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider about your results and before making any health decision. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911. Read the full disclaimer.

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