Naltrexone, 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

Naltrexone with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing the presence and concentration of naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, in a patient's system. Here are key points regarding its clinical significance:

1. Opioid Addiction Treatment: Naltrexone is commonly used in the treatment of opioid addiction. The test helps healthcare providers monitor patients undergoing naltrexone therapy to ensure compliance and assess treatment effectiveness. Quantitative measurement of naltrexone levels allows for individualized dosing adjustments, ensuring patients receive optimal therapy.

2. Treatment Adherence: Monitoring naltrexone levels can verify patient compliance with prescribed treatment regimens. The test helps healthcare providers identify patients who may not be taking their medication as directed, allowing for appropriate intervention and support to improve treatment adherence.

3. Pharmacokinetic Assessment: Quantitative testing of naltrexone levels provides insights into the drug's pharmacokinetics, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination. This information aids healthcare providers in optimizing dosing regimens, ensuring patients achieve therapeutic naltrexone concentrations.

4. Forensic and Toxicology Applications: Naltrexone is valuable in forensic and toxicology settings, particularly in cases involving suspected naltrexone use or overdose. It provides objective evidence of naltrexone exposure and aids in toxicological investigations.

By utilizing LC/MS-MS technology, Naltrexone offers high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for accurate quantification of naltrexone levels in biological samples. This analytical method ensures reliable results and assists healthcare providers in making informed decisions regarding patient care.

In summary, Naltrexone with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is clinically significant in assessing naltrexone therapy compliance, optimizing dosing regimens, and providing insights into pharmacokinetics. It supports the treatment of opioid addiction, aids in forensic and toxicology investigations, and ensures patient safety and therapeutic efficacy.