Fluoxetine, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80332
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
Fluoxetine with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of therapeutic drug monitoring and psychiatry. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and other psychiatric conditions.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Fluoxetine with quantitative results include:
1. Assessing Therapeutic Drug Levels: Fluoxetine helps assess the concentration of fluoxetine in a patient's blood, providing valuable information about drug exposure and medication adherence. Therapeutic drug monitoring ensures that the prescribed dose is within the effective range and helps healthcare providers optimize treatment outcomes by adjusting the dosage if necessary.
2. Individualized Dosing: Quantitative measurement of fluoxetine levels allows for individualized dosing based on a patient's metabolism and response to the medication. Some patients may require higher or lower doses to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Monitoring fluoxetine levels helps healthcare providers tailor the dosage to each patient's specific needs, optimizing treatment efficacy while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.
3. Evaluating Treatment Response: Monitoring fluoxetine levels over time can help evaluate a patient's response to treatment. By comparing quantitative results with the patient's symptoms and clinical progress, healthcare providers can assess whether the current dose is adequate or if adjustments are needed to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
4. Identifying Non-Adherence or Drug Interactions: Fluoxetine aids in detecting non-adherence to medication regimens. Quantitative results that fall below the expected therapeutic range may indicate poor compliance, allowing healthcare providers to address non-adherence issues and explore reasons behind treatment failure. Additionally, the test helps identify potential drug-drug interactions that may affect fluoxetine levels and guide medication adjustments or combinations.
5. Managing Side Effects: Fluoxetine can have side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances, sexual dysfunction, or serotonin syndrome. Monitoring fluoxetine levels can provide insights into the relationship between drug concentration and the occurrence of side effects. Adjusting the dosage based on quantitative results may help alleviate side effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
It is important to note that Fluoxetine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS provides accurate and precise measurement of fluoxetine levels compared to qualitative or screening tests. Quantitative results offer a more precise assessment of drug exposure, aiding in clinical decision-making and treatment optimization.
In summary, Fluoxetine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS has specific clinical significance in assessing therapeutic drug levels, individualizing dosing, evaluating treatment response, identifying non-adherence or drug interactions, and managing side effects. By measuring fluoxetine levels in a patient's blood, this test provides valuable information for therapeutic drug monitoring, psychiatric treatment management, and optimizing patient care outcomes related to fluoxetine therapy.