Norfentanyl, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80354
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
Norfentanyl with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in measuring the concentration of norfentanyl in a patient's biological sample. Norfentanyl is a major metabolite of fentanyl, a potent opioid medication used for pain management and anesthesia.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Norfentanyl include:
1. Medication Monitoring: Norfentanyl helps healthcare providers monitor patient compliance and therapeutic drug levels during fentanyl therapy. By quantifying the concentration of norfentanyl, a metabolite of fentanyl, in a patient's sample, it provides objective information about the patient's adherence to medication and helps ensure that therapeutic levels are maintained.
2. Overdose Assessment: Quantitative results from Norfentanyl aid in the assessment and management of fentanyl overdose cases. Monitoring the concentration of norfentanyl can provide insight into the extent of fentanyl exposure and help guide appropriate treatment strategies, including the administration of naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdose.
3. Pharmacokinetic Studies: Norfentanyl using LC/MS-MS is also valuable in pharmacokinetic studies and research investigations. By measuring the concentration of norfentanyl in various biological samples, researchers can study the drug's metabolism, elimination, and individual variations in drug clearance. This information can inform dosing strategies and improve understanding of fentanyl's pharmacokinetics.
4. Forensic Investigations: Norfentanyl is utilized in forensic toxicology to detect and quantify fentanyl exposure or use. It provides objective evidence of fentanyl presence in biological samples, which can be valuable in legal proceedings, workplace drug testing, or investigations involving drug-related incidents.
Interpretation of the quantitative results of Norfentanyl should consider the patient's clinical context, treatment history, and the specific norfentanyl concentrations detected. Monitoring norfentanyl levels helps ensure medication compliance, evaluate therapeutic drug levels, and detect potential risks associated with fentanyl use.
It's important to note that Norfentanyl with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS provides accurate and reliable quantification of norfentanyl in a patient's sample. This method offers enhanced sensitivity and specificity, enabling precise measurements in a wide dynamic range.
In summary, Norfentanyl with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is specifically used for medication monitoring, overdose assessment, pharmacokinetic studies, and forensic investigations related to fentanyl use. It provides valuable information about the concentration of norfentanyl in a patient's sample, aiding healthcare providers, researchers, forensic experts, and legal professionals in various aspects related to fentanyl therapy, overdose management, and forensic toxicology. Collaboration between laboratory professionals, healthcare providers, researchers, and other relevant stakeholders is essential for accurate interpretation of the test results and appropriate patient care.