Lorazepam, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80346
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
Lorazepam with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in measuring the concentration of lorazepam, a medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class, in a patient's blood. Lorazepam is commonly prescribed for the management of anxiety disorders, seizures, and insomnia.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Lorazepam include:
1. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Lorazepam is used to monitor the concentration of lorazepam in patients receiving lorazepam therapy. Monitoring drug levels helps healthcare providers ensure appropriate dosing, optimizing therapeutic outcomes while minimizing the risk of adverse effects or inadequate treatment response.
2. Assessing Compliance: Lorazepam aids in assessing patient compliance with prescribed medication regimens. By measuring lorazepam levels, healthcare providers can determine if patients are taking the medication as directed and adhering to their treatment plan.
3. Individualized Dosing: The metabolism of lorazepam can vary among individuals, and therapeutic blood levels may differ from person to person. Lorazepam helps establish the optimal dosage for each patient, ensuring that they receive the appropriate amount of medication based on their individual response and metabolism.
4. Identifying Toxicity or Overdose: In cases of suspected lorazepam toxicity or overdose, the quantitative results of Lorazepam can provide valuable information for diagnosis and treatment. High levels of lorazepam in the blood can indicate toxicity and may require immediate medical intervention.
5. Forensic and Toxicology Testing: Lorazepam is utilized in forensic and toxicology settings to detect the presence of lorazepam in biological samples. It can provide objective evidence of lorazepam use in cases of drug-related incidents or legal matters.
Interpretation of the quantitative results of Lorazepam 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, Lorazepam with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is specifically used for therapeutic drug monitoring, assessing compliance, individualizing dosing, identifying toxicity or overdose, and forensic and toxicology testing. It provides valuable information about lorazepam levels, aiding healthcare providers in optimizing treatment outcomes, ensuring medication compliance, and identifying potential adverse effects. Close collaboration between healthcare providers and patients is crucial to interpret the test results accurately and implement appropriate treatment plans.