Sertraline, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80332
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
Sertraline with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) is a diagnostic tool used to measure the concentration of sertraline, an antidepressant medication, in a patient's blood. It has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the following ways:
1. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Sertraline is prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other mental health conditions. The quantitative measurement of sertraline levels in the blood helps healthcare providers ensure that the drug is within the therapeutic range. It allows for personalized dosage adjustments to optimize treatment effectiveness and minimize side effects.
2. Compliance Assessment: The sertraline test can also be used to assess patient compliance with the prescribed medication. Low or undetectable levels of sertraline in the blood may indicate non-compliance or poor adherence to the medication regimen. This information can guide healthcare providers in addressing issues related to medication adherence and optimizing treatment outcomes.
3. Drug Interactions: Sertraline can interact with other medications, potentially leading to adverse effects or altered drug efficacy. Monitoring sertraline levels through quantitative testing can help identify potential drug interactions and guide medication adjustments. This is particularly important when sertraline is co-administered with other drugs metabolized by the same liver enzymes, as it may affect the clearance of both sertraline and the co-administered medication.
4. Therapeutic Optimization: The quantitative measurement of sertraline levels allows healthcare providers to optimize the dosage and individualize treatment based on a patient's specific needs. Some patients may require higher or lower doses of sertraline to achieve optimal therapeutic effects. Monitoring the drug concentration helps guide dosage adjustments to ensure adequate therapeutic response and minimize the risk of side effects.
5. Toxicity Assessment: In certain situations, such as suspected sertraline overdose or toxicity, quantitative testing can provide valuable information to assess the severity of the overdose and guide appropriate medical interventions. High levels of sertraline in the blood may indicate potential toxicity, requiring prompt medical attention and management.
It's important to note that the interpretation of sertraline test results should be done in conjunction with clinical evaluation and consideration of other factors such as symptoms, response to treatment, and overall patient well-being. The therapeutic range and optimal levels of sertraline can vary among individuals, and testing should be performed and interpreted by healthcare professionals experienced in pharmacokinetics and therapeutic drug monitoring.
In summary, the sertraline test with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS provides valuable clinical information for therapeutic drug monitoring, compliance assessment, drug interactions, therapeutic optimization, and toxicity assessment in patients receiving sertraline treatment. It aids in individualizing treatment, optimizing dosages, and ensuring safe and effective use of this antidepressant medication.