Levorphanol, 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

Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature

Collection Instructions:
Monitoring is recommended for samples to be tested for medico-legal purposes.

Rejection Criteria:
Quantity not sufficient for analysis; improper specimen (serum, plasma, blood); incomplete specimen identification

Stability Criteria

Room Temperature:
24 hours

Refrigerated:
7 days

Frozen:
30 days

Clinical Significance

Levorphanol with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in measuring the concentration of levorphanol, a synthetic opioid analgesic, in a patient's blood. Levorphanol is primarily prescribed for the management of moderate to severe pain.

The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Levorphanol include:

1. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: The test helps monitor the concentration of levorphanol in patients receiving levorphanol therapy. Monitoring drug levels ensures appropriate dosing, optimizing pain management while minimizing the risk of adverse effects or inadequate analgesia.

2. Assessing Compliance: Levorphanol aids in assessing patient compliance with prescribed medication regimens. By measuring levorphanol levels, healthcare providers can determine if patients are taking the medication as directed and adhering to their treatment plan.

3. Managing Drug Interactions: Levorphanol can interact with other medications, potentially leading to drug interactions or adverse effects. Therapeutic drug monitoring of levorphanol levels can help identify potential interactions and guide medication adjustments to optimize therapeutic outcomes and reduce the risk of adverse effects.

4. Evaluating Toxicity or Overdose: In cases of suspected levorphanol toxicity or overdose, the quantitative results of Levorphanol can provide valuable information to aid in diagnosis and treatment. High levels of levorphanol in the blood can indicate toxicity and may require immediate medical intervention.

5. Forensic and Toxicology Testing: Levorphanol is utilized in forensic and toxicology settings to detect the presence of levorphanol in biological samples. It can provide objective evidence of levorphanol use in cases of drug-related incidents or legal matters.

Interpretation of the quantitative results of Levorphanol should consider the patient's clinical context, including the prescribed dosage, duration of therapy, and individual factors such as renal function and drug metabolism. Additionally, correlation with clinical symptoms and other laboratory findings is necessary for an accurate assessment.

In summary, Levorphanol with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is specifically used for therapeutic drug monitoring, assessing compliance, managing drug interactions, evaluating toxicity or overdose, and forensic and toxicology testing. It provides valuable information about levorphanol levels, aiding healthcare providers in optimizing pain management, ensuring medication compliance, and identifying potential drug interactions or toxicity. Close collaboration between healthcare providers and patients is crucial to interpret the test results accurately and implement appropriate treatment plans.