Dextromethorphan, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80362
Turnaround Time:
24 - 72 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Urine
Minimum Volume:
1.0 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
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
24 hours
Refrigerated:
7 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Dextromethorphan 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. Dextromethorphan is a common cough suppressant found in over-the-counter cough and cold medications.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Dextromethorphan with quantitative results include:
1. Medication Compliance: Dextromethorphan aids in assessing medication compliance in patients prescribed medications containing dextromethorphan. Quantitative measurement of dextromethorphan levels in a patient's biological sample, typically urine or blood, provides objective evidence of medication use. It helps healthcare providers verify whether patients are taking the prescribed dose and following the recommended treatment regimen.
2. Detection of Misuse or Abuse: Dextromethorphan is useful in detecting the misuse or abuse of medications containing dextromethorphan. High doses of dextromethorphan can produce hallucinogenic effects and lead to substance abuse. Quantitative measurement of dextromethorphan levels helps identify individuals who may be misusing or abusing the medication, which can have adverse effects on their health.
3. Toxicity Assessment: Monitoring dextromethorphan levels using quantitative results is valuable in assessing potential toxicity. Excessive consumption of dextromethorphan can lead to dextromethorphan toxicity, causing symptoms such as confusion, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, and respiratory depression. Quantitative measurements help healthcare providers evaluate the severity of dextromethorphan exposure and guide appropriate treatment interventions.
4. Drug Interaction Evaluation: Quantitative measurement of dextromethorphan levels can help assess potential drug interactions. Dextromethorphan may interact with other medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or certain antidepressants, leading to adverse effects or increased drug concentrations. Monitoring dextromethorphan levels allows healthcare providers to evaluate drug interactions and make informed decisions regarding treatment modifications or concomitant medication adjustments.
5. Forensic and Legal Applications: Dextromethorphan with quantitative results is relevant in forensic and legal contexts. It can provide objective evidence of dextromethorphan use or abuse in legal cases involving impaired driving, 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 Dextromethorphan with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS provides more accurate and precise measurement of dextromethorphan levels compared to qualitative or screening tests. Quantitative results allow for a better understanding of the extent of medication use or abuse and enable healthcare providers to make informed decisions regarding patient care.
In summary, Dextromethorphan with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS has specific clinical significance in assessing medication compliance, detecting misuse or abuse, evaluating potential toxicity, assessing drug interactions, and supporting forensic and legal investigations. By measuring dextromethorphan levels, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, enabling healthcare providers to assess patient adherence, identify potential misuse or abuse, guide treatment interventions, and support legal proceedings as needed.