Meperidine, 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 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
Meperidine with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in measuring the concentration of meperidine or its metabolites in a patient's biological sample. Meperidine, also known as pethidine, is a synthetic opioid analgesic primarily used for pain management.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Meperidine include:
1. Medication Monitoring: Meperidine aids in monitoring patients who are prescribed meperidine for pain management. It allows healthcare providers to assess medication compliance and ensure appropriate dosing. Quantitative results provide information about the concentration of meperidine or its metabolites in the patient's system, helping to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
2. Toxicology Screening: Meperidine is a controlled substance with the potential for abuse and misuse. Meperidine is employed in toxicology screening to confirm the presence and quantity of meperidine or its metabolites in a patient's sample. It assists in identifying meperidine misuse, detecting cases of overdose, and guiding medical interventions in cases of meperidine-related toxicity.
3. Forensic and Legal Investigations: Meperidine plays a significant role in forensic investigations and legal proceedings. It provides objective evidence of meperidine use or exposure, aiding law enforcement agencies, forensic laboratories, and legal professionals in investigating drug-related incidents, conducting drug testing, and providing evidence in legal cases involving meperidine.
4. Research and Epidemiology: Quantitative Meperidine testing using LC/MS-MS contributes to research and epidemiological studies focused on understanding patterns of meperidine use, assessing drug trends, and evaluating the impact of meperidine on public health. Such data can inform policy decisions, preventive strategies, and public health interventions related to meperidine use.
Interpretation of the quantitative results of Meperidine should consider the patient's clinical context, drug history, and the specific meperidine metabolites detected. It is important to note that meperidine is primarily metabolized into normeperidine, which has an active metabolite with a longer half-life. Monitoring the concentration of both meperidine and normeperidine is crucial for understanding the overall pharmacokinetics and potential toxic effects of meperidine.
In summary, Meperidine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is specifically used for medication monitoring, toxicology screening, forensic investigations, and research purposes. It provides valuable information about the presence and concentration of meperidine or its metabolites, aiding healthcare providers, forensic experts, and researchers in various aspects related to meperidine use and exposure. Close collaboration between laboratory professionals, healthcare providers, and other relevant stakeholders is crucial for accurate interpretation of the test results and appropriate patient management.