Naloxone, 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
Naloxone with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing the presence and concentration of naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, in a patient's system. Here are key points regarding its clinical significance:
1. Opioid Overdose Reversal: Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse opioid overdose. The test helps healthcare providers determine if naloxone has been administered and if the patient has an appropriate concentration of naloxone in their system. This information is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of naloxone administration and guiding further treatment decisions.
2. Treatment Compliance: The test aids in monitoring patients who are receiving naloxone as part of opioid addiction treatment programs. By measuring the concentration of naloxone, healthcare providers can verify patient compliance with prescribed naloxone therapy. Non-compliance may indicate potential treatment non-adherence or relapse risk.
3. Pharmacokinetics and Dosing: Naloxone's duration of action and metabolism can vary among individuals. Quantitative testing allows for the measurement of naloxone levels in the blood or urine, helping healthcare providers evaluate pharmacokinetics and optimize dosing regimens. This ensures that patients receive adequate naloxone levels for effective opioid overdose reversal.
4. Forensic and Toxicology Applications: Naloxone is valuable in forensic and toxicology settings, particularly in cases of suspected opioid overdose or toxicological investigations. It can provide objective evidence of naloxone administration and aid in determining the cause of opioid-related incidents.
The use of LC/MS-MS in Naloxone offers high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for accurate quantification of naloxone levels in biological samples. This analytical method ensures reliable results and helps healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding patient care.
In summary, Naloxone with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is clinically significant in assessing naloxone administration, monitoring treatment compliance, evaluating pharmacokinetics, and supporting forensic and toxicology investigations. It plays a vital role in opioid overdose management, ensuring patient safety, and optimizing treatment outcomes.