Oxazepam, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80346
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
Oxazepam with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in detecting and measuring the levels of oxazepam, a benzodiazepine medication, in a patient's system. Oxazepam is commonly prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Oxazepam include:
1. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Oxazepam helps healthcare providers monitor the concentration of oxazepam in a patient's blood or urine to ensure the medication is being taken as prescribed. Therapeutic drug monitoring helps optimize the dosage and ensure the drug's efficacy while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.
2. Compliance Monitoring: The test can be used to assess patient compliance with prescribed oxazepam therapy. It is particularly useful in situations where non-compliance or misuse of the medication is suspected, such as in addiction treatment programs or when patients are at risk of medication diversion.
3. Toxicity Assessment: Quantitative measurement of oxazepam levels can aid in assessing the potential for oxazepam toxicity. Excessive levels of the medication can lead to sedation, impaired coordination, confusion, and respiratory depression. Monitoring oxazepam levels helps identify patients who may be at increased risk of adverse effects due to high drug concentrations.
4. Pharmacokinetic Studies: Oxazepam is valuable in pharmacokinetic studies, allowing researchers to investigate the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of oxazepam in different patient populations or under specific conditions. This information contributes to a better understanding of the drug's pharmacokinetics and aids in dosage adjustment recommendations.
5. Forensic Investigations: Oxazepam can be used in forensic toxicology to detect and quantify oxazepam in biological samples, such as blood or urine. This helps establish the presence of the drug in cases related to drug-facilitated crimes, impaired driving, or workplace incidents.
The use of LC/MS-MS for quantitative analysis provides accurate and precise measurement of oxazepam levels in biological samples, allowing for more reliable clinical interpretation and decision-making.
In summary, Oxazepam with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is clinically significant in therapeutic drug monitoring, compliance monitoring, toxicity assessment, pharmacokinetic studies, and forensic investigations. Accurate measurement of oxazepam levels assists healthcare providers in optimizing therapy, assessing patient compliance, and minimizing the risk of adverse effects. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers and laboratory professionals are crucial in interpreting the test results and providing appropriate patient care.