Codeine, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80361
Turnaround Time:
24 - 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
Codeine 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 medication monitoring. This test is designed to measure the level of codeine, an opioid medication, in a patient's biological sample, typically urine or blood.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Codeine with quantitative results include:
1. Medication Monitoring: The test is used to monitor codeine therapy in patients who are prescribed this opioid medication for pain management or cough suppression. By quantifying the concentration of codeine in the patient's sample, healthcare providers can assess medication adherence and therapeutic drug levels. It helps ensure that patients are taking the prescribed dose and can guide adjustments in medication dosage if needed.
2. Detection of Codeine Abuse: Codeine with quantitative results is utilized to detect codeine misuse or abuse. Codeine, like other opioids, can be abused recreationally or for non-medical purposes. Quantitative measurement of codeine levels provides objective evidence of its presence in the patient's system, aiding in the identification and assessment of codeine abuse or illicit drug use.
3. Confirmation of Codeine Overdose: In cases of suspected codeine overdose, the quantitative Codeine using LC/MS-MS can provide confirmation of excessive codeine intake. Accidental or intentional codeine overdoses can lead to severe respiratory depression, sedation, and other opioid-related complications. The test helps confirm the presence of high codeine levels in the patient's system, guiding appropriate emergency medical interventions.
4. Differential Diagnosis of Opioid Toxicity: The quantitative Codeine test, in conjunction with other opioid testing, can assist in the differential diagnosis of opioid toxicity. By measuring codeine levels alongside other opioids, such as morphine or hydrocodone, healthcare providers can distinguish the specific opioids involved in an overdose or poisoning event. This information helps guide treatment decisions and optimize patient care.
5. Forensic and Legal Applications: Codeine with quantitative results is relevant in forensic and legal contexts. It can provide objective evidence of codeine use or abuse in legal cases involving driving under the influence, workplace incidents, or drug-related crimes. The test results serve as valuable information for legal proceedings and may influence decisions regarding legal consequences or treatment requirements.
It is important to note that Codeine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS provides more accurate and precise measurement of codeine levels compared to qualitative or screening tests. Quantitative results allow for a better understanding of the extent of codeine exposure or abuse and enable healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding patient care.
In summary, Codeine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS has specific clinical significance in medication monitoring, detection of codeine abuse, confirmation of codeine overdose, differential diagnosis of opioid toxicity, and forensic and legal applications. By quantifying codeine levels in a patient's biological sample, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, aiding in the management of codeine therapy, detection of misuse or abuse, and supporting forensic investigations and legal proceedings related to codeine use.