Norquetiapine, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80338
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
Norquetiapine with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in measuring the concentration of norquetiapine in a patient's biological sample. Norquetiapine is a major active metabolite of quetiapine, an antipsychotic medication used for the treatment of various psychiatric disorders.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Norquetiapine include:
1. Medication Monitoring: Norquetiapine helps healthcare providers monitor patient compliance and therapeutic drug levels during quetiapine therapy. By quantifying the concentration of norquetiapine, a metabolite of quetiapine, 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: Norquetiapine is valuable in pharmacokinetic studies and research investigations. By measuring the concentration of norquetiapine 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 quetiapine's pharmacokinetics and aid in the development of personalized treatment approaches.
3. Assessing Quetiapine Metabolism: Norquetiapine can help assess the efficiency of quetiapine metabolism in individual patients. Variations in the metabolism of quetiapine to norquetiapine can affect the drug's efficacy and response. Monitoring norquetiapine levels can provide insights into individual differences in quetiapine metabolism and guide personalized dosing strategies.
4. Forensic Investigations: Norquetiapine is utilized in forensic toxicology to detect and quantify quetiapine exposure or use. It provides objective evidence of quetiapine 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 Norquetiapine should consider the patient's clinical context, treatment history, and the specific norquetiapine concentrations detected. Monitoring norquetiapine levels helps ensure medication compliance, evaluate therapeutic drug levels, and detect potential risks associated with quetiapine use.
It's important to note that Norquetiapine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS provides accurate and reliable quantification of norquetiapine in a patient's sample. This method offers enhanced sensitivity and specificity, enabling precise measurements in a wide dynamic range.
In summary, Norquetiapine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is specifically used for medication monitoring, pharmacokinetic studies, assessing quetiapine metabolism, and forensic investigations related to quetiapine use. It provides valuable information about the concentration of norquetiapine in a patient's sample, aiding healthcare providers, researchers, forensic experts, and legal professionals in various aspects related to quetiapine 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.