O-desmethyltramadol, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80362
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
The O-desmethyltramadol test with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in measuring the concentration of O-desmethyltramadol in a patient's biological sample. O-desmethyltramadol is an active metabolite of tramadol, an opioid analgesic medication commonly used for the management of moderate to severe pain.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of the O-desmethyltramadol test include:
1. Medication Monitoring: The O-desmethyltramadol test helps healthcare providers monitor patient compliance and therapeutic drug levels during tramadol therapy. By quantifying the concentration of O-desmethyltramadol, a metabolite of tramadol, 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: The O-desmethyltramadol test is valuable in pharmacokinetic studies and research investigations. By measuring the concentration of O-desmethyltramadol 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 tramadol's pharmacokinetics and aid in the development of personalized treatment approaches.
3. Assessing Tramadol Metabolism: The O-desmethyltramadol test can help assess the efficiency of tramadol metabolism in individual patients. Variations in the metabolism of tramadol to O-desmethyltramadol can affect the drug's efficacy and response. Monitoring O-desmethyltramadol levels can provide insights into individual differences in tramadol metabolism and guide personalized dosing strategies.
4. Forensic Investigations: The O-desmethyltramadol test is utilized in forensic toxicology to detect and quantify tramadol exposure or use. It provides objective evidence of tramadol metabolism to O-desmethyltramadol 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 the O-desmethyltramadol test should consider the patient's clinical context, treatment history, and the specific O-desmethyltramadol concentrations detected. Monitoring O-desmethyltramadol levels helps ensure medication compliance, evaluate therapeutic drug levels, and detect potential risks associated with tramadol use.
It's important to note that the O-desmethyltramadol test with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS provides accurate and reliable quantification of O-desmethyltramadol in a patient's sample. This method offers enhanced sensitivity and specificity, enabling precise measurements in a wide dynamic range.
In summary, the O-desmethyltramadol test with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is specifically used for medication monitoring, pharmacokinetic studies, assessing tramadol metabolism, and forensic investigations related to tramadol use. It provides valuable information about the concentration of O-desmethyltramadol in a patient's sample, aiding healthcare providers, researchers, forensic experts, and legal professionals in various aspects related to tramadol 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.