Gabapentin, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80355
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
Gabapentin 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 pain management. Gabapentin is a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and other neurological conditions.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Gabapentin with quantitative results include:
1. Assessing Therapeutic Drug Levels: Gabapentin helps assess the concentration of gabapentin 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 gabapentin 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 gabapentin levels helps healthcare providers tailor the dosage to each patient's specific needs, optimizing treatment efficacy while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.
3. Assessing Compliance and Abuse: Gabapentin aids in assessing medication adherence and detecting potential abuse of gabapentin. Quantitative results can help identify patients who are not taking the medication as prescribed or individuals who are using gabapentin inappropriately or recreationally.
4. Monitoring Treatment Response: Serial measurements of gabapentin levels can be used to monitor 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.
5. Evaluating Drug Interactions: Gabapentin can assist in identifying potential drug-drug interactions that may affect gabapentin levels. Co-administration of certain medications can alter the metabolism and clearance of gabapentin, leading to variations in drug levels. Monitoring gabapentin levels helps healthcare providers adjust the treatment regimen or consider alternative medications to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
It is important to note that the interpretation of gabapentin levels requires consideration of factors such as patient-specific characteristics, co-administered medications, and the presence of any underlying liver or kidney dysfunction. Clinical judgment should be applied in conjunction with quantitative results to guide treatment decisions.
In summary, Gabapentin with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS has specific clinical significance in assessing therapeutic drug levels, individualizing dosing, assessing compliance and abuse, monitoring treatment response, and evaluating drug interactions. By measuring gabapentin levels in a patient's blood, this test provides valuable information for therapeutic drug monitoring, optimizing pain management, and improving patient care outcomes related to gabapentin therapy.