Methadone, Screen
CPT Code(s):
80307
Turnaround Time:
8 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
Methadone Screen using immunoassay holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the preliminary detection of methadone or its metabolites in a patient's biological sample. Methadone is a synthetic opioid medication primarily used for the treatment of opioid dependence and chronic pain management.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Methadone Screen include:
1. Initial Drug Screening: Methadone Screen is commonly used as an initial screening tool to detect the presence of methadone or its metabolites in a patient's sample. It provides a qualitative "positive" or "negative" result, indicating whether methadone or its metabolites are present above a certain predetermined cutoff concentration.
2. Point-of-Care Testing: Methadone Screen is often employed in point-of-care settings, such as emergency departments, addiction treatment centers, and workplace drug testing. It allows for rapid and convenient screening, aiding in the immediate identification of methadone use or potential misuse.
3. Treatment Compliance Monitoring: Methadone Screen can be used as a tool to monitor treatment compliance among patients undergoing methadone maintenance therapy. Regular screening helps healthcare providers ensure that patients are taking their prescribed methadone as directed, supporting adherence to the treatment plan.
4. Forensic and Legal Investigations: Methadone Screen plays a role in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. It provides initial evidence of methadone use or exposure, assisting law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, and legal professionals in determining the presence of methadone in a person's system.
It's important to note that Methadone Screen using immunoassay provides a preliminary result and should be confirmed with a more specific and sensitive method, such as liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS), for accurate quantification and confirmation of methadone or its metabolites.
In summary, Methadone Screen using immunoassay is specifically used for initial drug screening, point-of-care testing, treatment compliance monitoring, and forensic investigations. While it provides a qualitative result indicating the presence or absence of methadone or its metabolites, confirmatory testing with more specific methods is necessary for accurate quantification and confirmation. The collaborative efforts of healthcare providers, laboratory professionals, and other relevant stakeholders are crucial for proper interpretation of the test results and appropriate patient care.