Ritalinic Acid, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80371
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
Ritalinic Acid with quantitative results, conducted using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS), has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing the levels of Ritalinic Acid (also known as methylphenidate metabolite) in a patient's system. Ritalinic Acid is the major metabolite of methylphenidate, a medication commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Ritalinic Acid include:
1. Medication Monitoring: The test is used to monitor patients who are prescribed methylphenidate, ensuring they are taking the medication as prescribed. It helps determine if patients are adhering to their treatment plan and can assist in adjusting the dosage if necessary.
2. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: The test is valuable in assessing the concentration of Ritalinic Acid in the bloodstream, which reflects the metabolism and elimination of methylphenidate. Therapeutic drug monitoring helps ensure that the drug is within the desired therapeutic range and helps optimize treatment efficacy.
3. Compliance Monitoring: Ritalinic Acid is helpful in determining if a patient is compliant with their medication regimen. It can be particularly useful in situations where there are concerns about misuse, diversion, or non-adherence to the prescribed treatment.
4. Assessing Pharmacokinetics: The test provides information about the metabolism and clearance of methylphenidate in an individual patient. This can be valuable in determining the appropriate dosage, frequency, or formulation of methylphenidate for optimal therapeutic effect.
5. Drug Interactions: Ritalinic Acid can help assess potential drug interactions by monitoring the levels of Ritalinic Acid in the presence of other medications that may affect its metabolism or elimination. This information can guide adjustments to the medication regimen or help identify potential adverse effects.
6. Investigating Toxicity or Overdose: In cases of suspected methylphenidate toxicity or overdose, Ritalinic Acid can provide quantitative results to confirm the presence and extent of the drug's metabolite in the patient's system. This information can guide appropriate medical interventions and management.
In summary, Ritalinic Acid with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is a valuable tool in monitoring medication adherence, optimizing treatment efficacy, assessing pharmacokinetics, and detecting potential drug interactions or toxicity related to methylphenidate use. It provides clinicians with quantitative data on the concentration of Ritalinic Acid, allowing for personalized and evidence-based treatment decisions.