Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline, Serum or Plasma
Also known as: AMIT/NORT
Use
This test is used to optimize dosing and monitor patient adherence to amitriptyline and nortriptyline therapy. Therapeutic drug monitoring of these antidepressants helps ensure therapeutic levels are maintained to achieve efficacy while preventing toxicity, which can cause severe side effects such as anticholinergic effects, cardiac abnormalities, and seizures.
Special Instructions
Patient should undergo predose (trough) draw at steady-state concentration for accurate measurement. Ensure transfer to ARUP standard transport tube occurs within 2 hours of collection.
Limitations
The test measures total concentration of amitriptyline and nortriptyline. Results may vary based on patient adherence, metabolism, and co-administration of interacting medications. Whole blood, gel separator, and certain anticoagulant tubes are unacceptable. Toxic values exceeding 500 ng/mL can lead to severe adverse effects.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3333-2
- 3335-7
- 3872-9
- 3335-7
- 3333-2
- 3872-9
Result Turnaround Time
2-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum from cells within 2 hours of collection.
Patient Preparation
Predose (trough) draw at steady-state concentration.
Causes for Rejection
Whole blood, gel separator tubes, and tubes with citrate or SPS or ACD solution.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 5 days |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 6 months |