Norhydrocodone, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80361
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
Norhydrocodone with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in measuring the concentration of norhydrocodone in a patient's biological sample. Norhydrocodone is a major metabolite of hydrocodone, an opioid medication used for pain management.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Norhydrocodone include:
1. Medication Monitoring: Norhydrocodone helps healthcare providers monitor patient compliance and therapeutic drug levels during hydrocodone therapy. By quantifying the concentration of norhydrocodone, a metabolite of hydrocodone, 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. Assessment of Drug Metabolism: Norhydrocodone using LC/MS-MS provides insights into individual variations in drug metabolism and the conversion of hydrocodone to its major metabolite, norhydrocodone. It can help identify patients who are poor metabolizers or rapid metabolizers of hydrocodone, which can influence their response to the medication and guide appropriate dosing strategies.
3. Pharmacokinetic Studies: Norhydrocodone is valuable in pharmacokinetic studies and research investigations. By measuring the concentration of norhydrocodone in various biological samples, researchers can study the drug's metabolism, elimination, and individual variations in drug clearance. This information can contribute to a better understanding of hydrocodone's pharmacokinetics and aid in the development of personalized treatment approaches.
4. Forensic Investigations: Norhydrocodone is utilized in forensic toxicology to detect and quantify hydrocodone use or exposure. It provides objective evidence of hydrocodone 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 Norhydrocodone should consider the patient's clinical context, treatment history, and the specific norhydrocodone concentrations detected. Monitoring norhydrocodone levels helps ensure medication compliance, evaluate therapeutic drug levels, and detect potential risks associated with hydrocodone use.
It's important to note that Norhydrocodone with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS provides accurate and reliable quantification of norhydrocodone in a patient's sample. This method offers enhanced sensitivity and specificity, enabling precise measurements in a wide dynamic range.
In summary, Norhydrocodone with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is specifically used for medication monitoring, assessment of drug metabolism, pharmacokinetic studies, and forensic investigations related to hydrocodone use. It provides valuable information about the concentration of norhydrocodone in a patient's sample, aiding healthcare providers, researchers, forensic experts, and legal professionals in various aspects related to hydrocodone therapy, metabolism, 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.