Muscle relaxants, sedatives and analgesics

Does a drug test detect Phenobarbital?

Yes. Phenobarbital is one of the 76 compounds in the LabX LC-MS/MS confirmation panel, reported as detected at or above 100 ng/mL. The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Barbiturates line designed to pick up Phenobarbital. A screen is presumptive; adding laboratory confirmation identifies Phenobarbital specifically.

100 ng/mLLaboratory cut-off
100–10,000 ng/mLReportable range
1 day-3 weeksApprox. window (varies)
LC-MS/MSConfirmation method

What is Phenobarbital?

Phenobarbital is a long-acting barbiturate and one of the oldest anti-seizure medicines still in use.

Medical use

Phenobarbital is prescribed for seizure disorders and is used in some hospital protocols.

How LabX tests for Phenobarbital

Phenobarbital 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 Phenobarbital as detected when its concentration is at or above the cut-off of 100 ng/mL, within a reportable range of 100–10,000 ng/mL. It is one of 9 compounds in the muscle relaxants, sedatives and analgesics family on the 76-drug confirmation panel.

Detection window

The laboratory's confirmation report lists an approximate detection window of 1 day-3 weeks for Phenobarbital. 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 Barbiturates line designed to pick up Phenobarbital. A screen is presumptive; adding laboratory confirmation identifies Phenobarbital specifically.

Worth knowing

Phenobarbital is cleared slowly, so it can remain measurable for an extended period. Confirmation distinguishes it from other barbiturates such as butalbital.

About this drug family

Muscle relaxants, barbiturates, nerve-pain medicines and acetaminophen, several of which are monitored in pain management and treatment programs.

Common questions

Does a drug test detect Phenobarbital?

Yes. Phenobarbital is one of the 76 compounds in the LabX LC-MS/MS confirmation panel, reported as detected at or above 100 ng/mL. The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Barbiturates line designed to pick up Phenobarbital. A screen is presumptive; adding laboratory confirmation identifies Phenobarbital specifically.

What is the laboratory cut-off for Phenobarbital?

LabX reports Phenobarbital as detected at or above 100 ng/mL, and the method's reportable range is 100–10,000 ng/mL. A result below the cut-off is reported as not detected; it does not prove none was present.

How long can Phenobarbital be detected?

The laboratory lists an approximate window of 1 day-3 weeks, 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 Phenobarbital?

The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Barbiturates line designed to pick up Phenobarbital. A screen is presumptive; adding laboratory confirmation identifies Phenobarbital specifically.

Is Phenobarbital a prescription medicine?

Phenobarbital is prescribed for seizure disorders and is used in some hospital protocols.

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 Phenobarbital 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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