Zolpidem, Confirmation
CPT Code(s):
80369
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
Zolpidem with quantitative results using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing the presence and concentration of zolpidem, a sedative-hypnotic medication, in a patient's system. Here are key points regarding its clinical significance:
1. Medication Monitoring: Zolpidem is used to monitor patients who are prescribed zolpidem for sleep disorders or insomnia. It helps healthcare providers ensure that patients are taking the medication as prescribed and within appropriate therapeutic ranges.
2. Drug Compliance: The test helps verify patient compliance with zolpidem therapy. By measuring the concentration of zolpidem in the blood or urine, healthcare providers can assess if patients are adhering to the prescribed dosage and frequency. Non-compliance may indicate potential medication misuse or non-adherence to treatment plans.
3. Toxicity and Overdose Assessment: Zolpidem is a controlled substance, and excessive use or overdose can lead to adverse effects. The test helps identify patients who may have excessively high concentrations of zolpidem, indicating potential toxicity or overdose. This information is crucial in determining appropriate medical intervention and managing potential drug-related complications.
4. Drug Interactions: Zolpidem may interact with other medications, leading to unwanted side effects or altered drug metabolism. By monitoring zolpidem levels, healthcare providers can identify potential drug interactions and make necessary adjustments to the patient's medication regimen.
5. Forensic and Toxicology Applications: Zolpidem is also valuable in forensic and toxicology settings. It can be used to detect zolpidem in post-mortem investigations, drug screenings, or workplace drug testing programs.
The use of LC/MS-MS in Zolpidem provides high sensitivity and specificity, allowing for accurate quantification of zolpidem levels in biological samples. This analytical method ensures reliable results and aids healthcare providers in making informed decisions regarding patient care.
In summary, Zolpidem with quantitative results using LC/MS-MS is clinically significant in monitoring medication compliance, assessing potential toxicity or overdose, identifying drug interactions, and facilitating forensic and toxicology investigations. It plays a crucial role in optimizing patient care, ensuring medication safety, and promoting better health outcomes.