Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs

Does a drug test detect Nordiazepam?

Yes. Nordiazepam is one of the 76 compounds in the LabX LC-MS/MS confirmation panel, reported as detected at or above 50 ng/mL. It is a breakdown product of diazepam (Valium) and related benzodiazepines. The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Benzodiazepines line, but how strongly a screen reacts to Nordiazepam varies, so a negative screen does not rule it out. Laboratory confirmation measures Nordiazepam specifically.

50 ng/mLLaboratory cut-off
50–5,000 ng/mLReportable range
3-14 daysApprox. window (varies)
LC-MS/MSConfirmation method

What is Nordiazepam?

Nordiazepam (desmethyldiazepam) is a long-lasting active metabolite shared by several benzodiazepines, including diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide and clorazepate. The body later converts nordiazepam into oxazepam.

Medical use

Nordiazepam is not commonly prescribed on its own in the United States; it appears after related benzodiazepines are taken.

How LabX tests for Nordiazepam

Nordiazepam 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 Nordiazepam as detected when its concentration is at or above the cut-off of 50 ng/mL, within a reportable range of 50–5,000 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 3-14 days for Nordiazepam. 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 Nordiazepam varies, so a negative screen does not rule it out. Laboratory confirmation measures Nordiazepam specifically.

Worth knowing

Because nordiazepam comes from more than one medicine, its presence tells a reviewer that one of several benzodiazepines was taken; prescription history narrows it down.

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 Nordiazepam?

Yes. Nordiazepam is one of the 76 compounds in the LabX LC-MS/MS confirmation panel, reported as detected at or above 50 ng/mL. It is a breakdown product of diazepam (Valium) and related benzodiazepines. The LabX 12-panel screen includes a Benzodiazepines line, but how strongly a screen reacts to Nordiazepam varies, so a negative screen does not rule it out. Laboratory confirmation measures Nordiazepam specifically.

What is the laboratory cut-off for Nordiazepam?

LabX reports Nordiazepam as detected at or above 50 ng/mL, and the method's reportable range is 50–5,000 ng/mL. A result below the cut-off is reported as not detected; it does not prove none was present.

How long can Nordiazepam be detected?

The laboratory lists an approximate window of 3-14 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 Nordiazepam?

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

Is Nordiazepam a prescription medicine?

Nordiazepam is not commonly prescribed on its own in the United States; it appears after related benzodiazepines are taken.

What drug does Nordiazepam come from?

Nordiazepam is a breakdown product of diazepam (Valium) and related benzodiazepines. Laboratories measure it because it shows the parent drug was actually processed by the body.

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 Nordiazepam and 75 other compounds

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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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