ARTICLE SUMMARY: This infographic outlines basic detection windows for barbituate drug testing in hair, blood, urine, and saliva samples.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Drug Name: Barbiturates
Drug Class: Depressants / Sedatives / Hypnotics
Street Names: Downers, Barbs, Reds
Factors that Influence Detection
Did you know that the detection period for barbiturates during a drug test varies greatly? Those that are not chronic users might pass a urine drug test 3 weeks after last use, but a regular user will test positive for up to 2 months after last use! The test specimen, individual, and drug tested are all important variables to consider when evaluating drug test results.
Main factors that can include detection include your:
- Age
- Body mass
- Food intake / hydration
- Liver function
- Metabolic rate
- Sex or gender
- Dosage / amount taken
- Frequency of administration
Main Drug Tests
The specimen of choice makes a big difference in the detection period. Popular specimens include urine, blood, hair, and saliva. Most businesses and organizations choose urine drug testing due to price and reliability. Saliva testing is second in popularity because it is practical and has a reduced risk of adulteration of the specimen sample. Common methods for testing for barbituates include:
Urine: Urine is the most common sample type used for drug testing. A urinalysis will show the presence of barbiturates for 1 day – 3 weeks.
Hair: Hair testing is used to determine barbiturates use over the longer term. A hair test will show barbiturate presence for 90 days.
Saliva: Saliva (oral) testing, also called a mouth swab test, may be used if an employer or other tester is interested in knowing about recent barbiturate use. The detection period for barbiturates on a saliva test is 3 days
Blood: A blood drug test may be used to determine amounts of barbiturates the system at that very moment. The usual detection window of barbiturates is between 1 – 3 days.
*Drug detection times in urine, blood, and saliva are an average and can vary greatly by individual. The information in this infographic should be used as a general guideline only.
If you still have any questions on drug testing and detection timelines, download our free e-book The Definitive Guide To Drug Testing.
Your Questions
Do you still have questions about drug testing for barbituates. Please post your concerns about barbiturates detection and timelines in the comments section at the end of the page. All comments are welcomed and appreciated. We will try our best to respond to your legitimate queries with a personal and prompt reply.
Reference sources: NCBI: Barbiturate detection in oral fluid, plasma, and urine
NCBI: Drug use and interpersonal violence. Barbiturates detected in homicide victims.
NCBI: Identification and differentiation of barbiturates, other sedative-hypnotics and their metabolites in urine integrated in a general screening procedure using computerized gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.
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