Norketamine, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80357
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
Norketamine with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in measuring the concentration of norketamine in a patient's biological sample. Norketamine is a major metabolite of ketamine, an anesthetic and analgesic medication with emerging therapeutic applications.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Norketamine include:
1. Medication Monitoring: Norketamine helps healthcare providers monitor patient compliance and therapeutic drug levels during ketamine therapy. By quantifying the concentration of norketamine, a metabolite of ketamine, 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. Pharmacokinetic Studies: Norketamine is valuable in pharmacokinetic studies and research investigations. By measuring the concentration of norketamine 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 ketamine's pharmacokinetics and aid in the development of personalized treatment approaches.
3. Assessing Ketamine Metabolism: Norketamine can help assess the efficiency of ketamine metabolism in individual patients. Variations in the metabolism of ketamine to norketamine can affect the drug's efficacy and duration of action. Monitoring norketamine levels can provide insights into individual differences in ketamine metabolism and guide personalized dosing strategies.
4. Forensic Investigations: Norketamine is utilized in forensic toxicology to detect and quantify ketamine exposure or use. It provides objective evidence of ketamine 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 Norketamine should consider the patient's clinical context, treatment history, and the specific norketamine concentrations detected. Monitoring norketamine levels helps ensure medication compliance, evaluate therapeutic drug levels, and detect potential risks associated with ketamine use.
It's important to note that Norketamine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS provides accurate and reliable quantification of norketamine in a patient's sample. This method offers enhanced sensitivity and specificity, enabling precise measurements in a wide dynamic range.
In summary, Norketamine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is specifically used for medication monitoring, pharmacokinetic studies, assessing ketamine metabolism, and forensic investigations related to ketamine use. It provides valuable information about the concentration of norketamine in a patient's sample, aiding healthcare providers, researchers, forensic experts, and legal professionals in various aspects related to ketamine therapy, pharmacokinetics, 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.