Norbuprenorphine, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80348
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
Norbuprenorphine with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in measuring the concentration of norbuprenorphine in a patient's biological sample. Norbuprenorphine is a metabolite of buprenorphine, which is a medication used in the treatment of opioid dependence.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Norbuprenorphine include:
1. Medication Compliance: Norbuprenorphine helps healthcare providers monitor patient adherence to buprenorphine therapy. By measuring the concentration of norbuprenorphine, a major metabolite of buprenorphine, in a patient's sample, it provides objective evidence of medication compliance and helps ensure that the patient is taking the prescribed medication.
2. Treatment Optimization: Quantitative results from Norbuprenorphine assist healthcare providers in optimizing buprenorphine therapy for patients with opioid dependence. By monitoring the concentration of norbuprenorphine, healthcare providers can assess the effectiveness of the current dosage and make adjustments if necessary to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
3. Assessing Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics: Norbuprenorphine using LC/MS-MS aids in assessing the metabolism and pharmacokinetics of buprenorphine in individual patients. It provides valuable information on the rate of drug metabolism, individual variations in drug clearance, and potential drug interactions. This information can guide personalized dosing strategies and help avoid potential adverse effects or inadequate therapeutic response.
4. Forensic Investigations: Norbuprenorphine is also used in forensic investigations and legal proceedings, providing objective evidence of buprenorphine use or exposure. It can be valuable in cases involving medication compliance, forensic toxicology, or legal disputes related to buprenorphine therapy.
Interpretation of the quantitative results of Norbuprenorphine should consider the patient's clinical context, treatment history, and the specific norbuprenorphine concentrations detected. Monitoring norbuprenorphine levels helps ensure medication adherence, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and detect potential risks associated with buprenorphine use.
It's important to note that Norbuprenorphine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS provides accurate and reliable quantification of norbuprenorphine in a patient's sample. This method offers enhanced sensitivity and specificity, enabling precise measurements in a wide dynamic range.
In summary, Norbuprenorphine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is specifically used for medication compliance monitoring, treatment optimization, assessment of metabolism and pharmacokinetics, and forensic investigations. It provides valuable information about the concentration of norbuprenorphine in a patient's sample, aiding healthcare providers, researchers, forensic experts, and legal professionals in various aspects related to buprenorphine therapy and use. Collaboration between laboratory professionals, healthcare providers, researchers, and other relevant stakeholders is essential for accurate interpretation of the test results and appropriate patient care.