Buprenorphine, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80348
Turnaround Time:
48 - 72 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Urine
Minimum Volume:
5.0 mL
Transport Container:
Yellow Top Tube or Sterile Cup
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Collect urine in plastic container and transfer to plain yellow top tube (without preservative).
Rejection Criteria:
Specimen received outside stability requirements; Excessive blood, particulates, viscosity present. Preservative (speckled top) tube.
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Buprenorphine with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of toxicology and drug monitoring. This test is designed to detect and quantify the presence of buprenorphine, a medication primarily used for opioid addiction treatment, in a patient's urine or other body fluids.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Buprenorphine with LC/MS-MS include:
1. Medication Compliance Monitoring: Buprenorphine with quantitative results helps monitor patient compliance with buprenorphine treatment regimens. Buprenorphine is prescribed as part of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs for individuals with opioid addiction. The test provides objective evidence of recent buprenorphine use, allowing healthcare providers to assess patient adherence to the prescribed medication and ensure the effectiveness of the treatment plan.
2. Detection of Illicit Buprenorphine Use: Buprenorphine has the potential for misuse and diversion, being used illicitly or sold on the black market. Buprenorphine assists in detecting the presence of buprenorphine in a patient's body fluids, providing valuable information about illicit drug use and aiding in identifying individuals who may be using buprenorphine outside of a prescribed context.
3. Assessment of Treatment Response: The quantitative results obtained from Buprenorphine using LC/MS-MS can provide insights into the level of buprenorphine in a patient's system. Monitoring buprenorphine levels over time helps healthcare providers assess treatment response and adjust medication dosages or treatment plans accordingly. It allows for personalized and optimized treatment approaches based on individual patient needs.
4. Differentiation from Other Opioids: Buprenorphine helps differentiate buprenorphine use from other opioids. Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist with unique pharmacological properties. By quantifying buprenorphine levels, the test aids in distinguishing buprenorphine use from the use of other opioids, such as heroin or prescription opioids.
5. Forensic and Medicolegal Investigations: Buprenorphine with LC/MS-MS has forensic and medicolegal applications. Quantitative measurements of buprenorphine levels can provide objective evidence of buprenorphine exposure, assisting in legal proceedings, workplace drug testing, or investigations involving drug misuse or impaired driving.
In summary, Buprenorphine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS has specific clinical significance in toxicology and drug monitoring. It aids in monitoring medication compliance, detecting illicit buprenorphine use, assessing treatment response, differentiating from other opioids, and supports forensic and medicolegal investigations. By detecting and quantifying buprenorphine, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, optimizing treatment outcomes, and ensuring patient safety in the context of buprenorphine therapy and drug monitoring programs.