Phentermine, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80324
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
Phentermine with quantitative results, utilizing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS), is clinically significant and diagnostically useful in measuring the levels of Phentermine in a patient's system. Phentermine is a medication commonly prescribed for short-term weight loss management in patients with obesity.
The specific clinical significance and diagnostic use of Phentermine include:
1. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Phentermine has a specific therapeutic range, and monitoring its concentration helps healthcare providers assess the patient's response to the medication. The quantitative results from the test aid in optimizing the dosage and ensuring that the drug concentration remains within the effective and safe range for weight loss.
2. Treatment Compliance Monitoring: The test can detect and confirm the presence of Phentermine in a patient's system, ensuring adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen. It helps healthcare providers assess patient compliance with the medication and identify any non-compliance or deviation from the prescribed dosage.
3. Detection of Misuse or Illicit Use: Phentermine has potential for misuse or abuse due to its appetite-suppressing effects. The test can detect Phentermine use beyond the prescribed duration or detect its presence in individuals who are not prescribed the medication. This helps healthcare providers identify cases of misuse or illicit use and provide appropriate intervention or counseling.
4. Pharmacokinetic Studies: The test is valuable in pharmacokinetic studies, contributing to a better understanding of Phentermine's metabolism, distribution, and elimination in different patient populations or under specific conditions. This information aids in the development of dosing guidelines and treatment strategies.
5. Forensic and Toxicology Applications: Phentermine using LC/MS-MS has forensic and toxicology applications, providing evidence of Phentermine use or exposure in legal and criminal investigations. It can assist in cases involving suspected drug-facilitated crimes or accidents.
The use of LC/MS-MS in Phentermine allows for accurate and precise measurement of Phentermine levels, enhancing the clinical interpretation and decision-making process.
In summary, Phentermine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is clinically significant in therapeutic drug monitoring, treatment compliance monitoring, detection of misuse or illicit use, pharmacokinetic studies, and forensic and toxicology applications. It helps optimize Phentermine therapy, ensure patient compliance, and detect potential misuse or abuse. The test also contributes to research and forensic investigations, providing valuable information on Phentermine's pharmacokinetics and aiding in legal and criminal investigations when necessary. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers and laboratory professionals are essential in interpreting the test results accurately and providing appropriate patient care.