Benzodiazepines Drug Testing Facts

The standard cutoff levels of benzodiazepines in the Enzyme Multiple Immunoassay Test (EMIT) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC MS) drug tests are 50ng/ml. Some drug tests such as the GC MS can read as accurate as 200ng/ml.

Drug Test Results

Positive: A rose-pink band is visible in each control zone. No color band appearing in the appropriate test zone indicates a positive result for the corresponding drug of that specific test zone.

Negative: A rose-pink band is visible in each control zone and the appropriate test zone, indicating that the concentration of the corresponding drug of that specific test zone is below the detection limit of the test.

Invalid: If a color band is not visible in each of the control zones, the test is invalid. Another test should be run to re-evaluate the specimen.

Benzodiazepines drug tests are one of the most popular types of test performed for pre-employment and random drug screening today.Benzodiazepines (sometimes called ‘benzos’) are also referred to as minor tranquillisers. They work by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system. They slow the messages going to and from the brain to the body, including physical, mental and emotional responses. Like alcohol, cannabis and heroin, they are depressants.

Benzodiazepines are produced through a process of chemical synthesis. The benzodiazepine group contains over 24 specific drugs. Each of these has a chemical or 'generic' name, and each drug is sold under one or more brand names. The different brand names in each group below are exactly the same drug, usually made by a different company.

For example:

Chemical name	Brand names
Diazepam Valium  Oxazepam Alepam  Nitrazepam Alodorm  Flunitrazepam  Temazepam	Ducene Murelax, Serepax  Mogadon Rohypnol Normison, Euhypnos

Benzodiazepines are most often prescribed in tablet or capsule form. They come in a variety of colours and shapes. Whether taken orally or intravenously, the drug is absorbed into the bloodstream and circulates through the body.

Substances which can cause false positives

Most prescription sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication.