Secobarbital, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80345
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
Secobarbital with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) is a diagnostic tool used to measure the concentration of Secobarbital, a barbiturate medication, in a patient's body. Barbiturates like Secobarbital are central nervous system depressants and can be used for various medical purposes, including the treatment of epilepsy and as sedatives or hypnotics.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Secobarbital include:
1. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: The test helps monitor Secobarbital levels in patients receiving treatment with this medication. It ensures that the drug concentration remains within the therapeutic range, optimizing its effectiveness and minimizing the risk of side effects or toxicity.
2. Compliance Assessment: The test can be used to assess a patient's adherence to prescribed Secobarbital therapy. By measuring the drug concentration in the body, healthcare providers can determine if the patient is taking the medication as prescribed. This information is particularly valuable for medications with a narrow therapeutic index, where dose adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
3. Toxicity Evaluation: High levels of Secobarbital can lead to toxicity, causing symptoms such as sedation, confusion, respiratory depression, and even coma. The test helps identify patients with elevated Secobarbital levels, allowing healthcare providers to intervene promptly and adjust the dosage or discontinue the medication to prevent adverse effects.
4. Drug Interactions: Secobarbital can help identify potential drug interactions. Some medications can affect the metabolism and elimination of Secobarbital, leading to altered drug concentrations and potentially increased or decreased effectiveness. Monitoring Secobarbital levels helps healthcare providers adjust medication regimens to account for these interactions and ensure optimal therapy.
5. Forensic Applications: In certain legal and forensic scenarios, Secobarbital can be utilized to detect the presence of the drug and determine its concentration. This information may be relevant in cases of drug overdose, impaired driving investigations, or post-mortem toxicology analysis.
In summary, Secobarbital with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is clinically significant for therapeutic drug monitoring, assessing compliance, evaluating toxicity, identifying drug interactions, and forensic applications. It provides valuable information to healthcare providers, allowing them to optimize medication therapy, ensure patient safety, and make informed decisions regarding treatment plans.