Imipramine, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80335
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
Imipramine with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the detection and quantification of imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant medication, in a patient's biological sample.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Imipramine with quantitative results include:
1. Medication Monitoring: The test is used to monitor imipramine levels in patients receiving prescribed antidepressant therapy. It helps ensure adherence to the prescribed dosage and assesses the effectiveness of the medication in treating depressive symptoms.
2. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Imipramine has a narrow therapeutic range, and individual response to the medication can vary. The test helps healthcare providers optimize the dosage of imipramine for each patient, aiming for therapeutic levels that provide effective symptom relief while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.
3. Treatment Compliance: Imipramine with quantitative results can detect non-adherence to medication regimens. It helps identify patients who may not be taking imipramine as prescribed, enabling healthcare providers to intervene, evaluate the reasons for non-compliance, and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
4. Toxicity Assessment: Imipramine can cause dose-dependent side effects, such as cardiac arrhythmias, seizures, and anticholinergic effects. The test aids in assessing imipramine levels in cases of suspected overdose or toxicity, guiding appropriate medical interventions and monitoring response to treatment.
5. Forensic and Legal Purposes: Imipramine with quantitative results may be used in legal or forensic settings to provide objective evidence of imipramine use or misuse. It can be valuable in cases involving impaired driving, workplace drug testing, or legal disputes related to antidepressant use.
Interpretation of the quantitative results of Imipramine should consider the patient's clinical condition, medical history, and prescribed medication regimen. The test should be used in conjunction with other clinical information to make informed decisions regarding antidepressant therapy and patient care.
In summary, Imipramine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is specifically used for medication monitoring, therapeutic drug monitoring, treatment compliance assessment, toxicity assessment, and providing objective evidence in forensic or legal contexts. It assists healthcare providers in optimizing antidepressant therapy, ensuring patient safety, and evaluating the appropriate use of imipramine.