Alpha OH Alprazolam, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80346
Turnaround Time:
24 - 72 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Urine
Minimum Volume:
5.0 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
Alpha OH Alprazolam with quantitative results, performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS), has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of toxicology and drug monitoring.
Alpha OH Alprazolam is a major metabolite of the medication alprazolam, which is a benzodiazepine commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. This test measures the concentration of Alpha OH Alprazolam in a patient's urine or blood sample, providing valuable information about alprazolam use and monitoring compliance with prescribed therapy.
The LC/MS-MS method is a highly sensitive and specific analytical technique used for quantifying substances in biological samples. It combines liquid chromatography, which separates the components of a sample, with tandem mass spectrometry, which identifies and quantifies the separated components based on their molecular characteristics. LC/MS-MS offers excellent sensitivity and specificity, enabling accurate and precise measurements of Alpha OH Alprazolam levels in biological samples.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Alpha OH Alprazolam with LC/MS-MS include:
1. Monitoring Medication Compliance: The test helps healthcare providers monitor patient compliance with alprazolam therapy. By measuring Alpha OH Alprazolam levels, the test provides objective evidence of recent alprazolam use. It assists in confirming adherence to prescribed treatment regimens, ensuring patients are taking their medication as directed.
2. Differentiation from Illicit Drug Use: Alpha OH Alprazolam aids in distinguishing prescribed alprazolam use from illicit drug use. Benzodiazepines like alprazolam have the potential for abuse and misuse. By detecting and quantifying Alpha OH Alprazolam, the test provides specific evidence of therapeutic drug use, helping healthcare providers identify and manage potential misuse or diversion.
3. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: The test supports therapeutic drug monitoring in patients receiving alprazolam therapy. It allows healthcare providers to assess the adequacy of dosing, optimize treatment regimens, and ensure patients are within the therapeutic range. Monitoring Alpha OH Alprazolam levels can guide adjustments to the dosage or frequency of alprazolam administration to achieve desired clinical outcomes.
4. Medicolegal and Forensic Applications: Alpha OH Alprazolam has relevance in legal and forensic contexts, such as cases involving impaired driving or accidents. It provides objective evidence of recent alprazolam use, which can be crucial for legal proceedings and determining legal responsibility.
In summary, Alpha OH Alprazolam with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS holds clinical significance in toxicology and medication monitoring. It assists in monitoring medication compliance, differentiating prescribed drug use from illicit drug use, guiding therapeutic drug monitoring, and supporting medico-legal and forensic investigations. By measuring Alpha OH Alprazolam levels with high sensitivity and specificity, this test plays a vital role in assessing alprazolam use, optimizing treatment, and providing valuable information to healthcare providers and legal professionals.