Trazodone, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80338
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
Trazodone with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the monitoring and detection of Trazodone levels in patients. Here are some key points regarding its clinical significance:
1. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Trazodone is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. Trazodone helps in therapeutic drug monitoring by measuring the concentration of Trazodone in the patient's blood. It helps healthcare providers ensure that the drug is present at appropriate levels to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
2. Dose Optimization: Trazodone is metabolized by the liver, and individual variations in drug metabolism can lead to differences in drug levels among patients. The quantitative Trazodone assists in determining the optimal dosage for each patient based on their specific metabolic rate. It helps healthcare providers personalize the treatment plan and adjust the dosage if necessary to achieve the desired clinical response.
3. Assessing Compliance: Trazodone can be used to assess patient compliance with prescribed medication. By measuring the concentration of Trazodone in the blood, healthcare providers can determine whether the patient is taking the medication as directed. Low or undetectable Trazodone levels may indicate non-compliance, which can inform discussions with the patient about medication adherence and potential reasons for non-compliance.
4. Monitoring Drug Interactions: Trazodone can interact with other medications, potentially affecting its metabolism and blood levels. The quantitative Trazodone helps monitor drug interactions, especially with drugs that inhibit or induce the enzymes responsible for Trazodone metabolism. This information enables healthcare providers to adjust Trazodone dosage or consider alternative treatment options to minimize potential adverse effects or optimize therapeutic outcomes.
5. Investigation of Toxicity or Overdose: In certain situations, such as suspected Trazodone toxicity or overdose, the quantitative Trazodone can assist in assessing the extent of exposure. It provides valuable information to guide appropriate medical interventions, such as managing overdose symptoms or implementing supportive care.
In summary, Trazodone with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is clinically significant in therapeutic drug monitoring, dose optimization, assessing compliance, monitoring drug interactions, and investigating potential toxicity or overdose. It helps healthcare providers ensure the effective use of Trazodone, personalize treatment plans, and improve patient outcomes in the management of depression and other conditions where Trazodone is prescribed.