Venlafaxine, 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
Venlafaxine with quantitative results, performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS), has specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in monitoring the levels of venlafaxine, a medication commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Here are key points regarding its clinical significance:
1. Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Venlafaxine is a medication with a narrow therapeutic index, meaning that maintaining its blood levels within a specific range is important for optimal treatment outcomes. Venlafaxine helps healthcare providers monitor the concentration of venlafaxine and its active metabolite, desvenlafaxine, in the blood. This allows for individualized dose adjustments to achieve the desired therapeutic effect while minimizing the risk of side effects.
2. Individualized Treatment: Venlafaxine metabolism can vary among individuals, resulting in different drug responses and potential side effects. The test enables healthcare providers to tailor the dosage to each patient's specific needs, ensuring effective treatment while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.
3. Assessing Compliance: Venlafaxine can also be used to assess patient compliance with prescribed venlafaxine therapy. If the measured levels of venlafaxine are lower than expected, it may indicate poor adherence to the medication regimen. This information can prompt discussions with the patient about medication adherence and potential reasons for non-compliance.
4. Evaluating Drug Interactions: Venlafaxine can interact with other medications, potentially affecting its metabolism and blood levels. Monitoring venlafaxine levels through the test can help identify drug interactions that may lead to suboptimal therapeutic effects or increased risk of adverse effects. Adjustments in medication dosage or alternative treatment options can be considered in such cases.
5. Individual Response and Side Effect Monitoring: Venlafaxine may have individual variations in metabolism and response. Monitoring venlafaxine levels through the test can help identify patients who may require higher or lower doses based on their individual metabolism. Additionally, if patients experience unexpected side effects, measuring venlafaxine levels can help determine if they are related to elevated drug levels.
In summary, Venlafaxine with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is clinically significant in monitoring the therapeutic drug levels of venlafaxine and optimizing treatment outcomes. It allows healthcare providers to personalize treatment, assess patient compliance, evaluate drug interactions, and manage potential side effects. Regular monitoring of venlafaxine levels ensures that patients receive the appropriate dosage, maximizing the therapeutic benefits while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.