Citalopram Quantitative, Serum or Plasma
Also known as: CITALO
Use
The Citalopram Quantitative, Serum or Plasma test is used for therapeutic drug monitoring. It is essential for monitoring patients who are on a daily regimen of citalopram, ensuring that serum or plasma levels are within the therapeutic range. This helps in assessing the efficacy and safety of the treatment, as variations in drug levels can affect patient response and risk of side effects. The test can also aid in detecting potential overexposure or underexposure in patients, allowing for dosage adjustments as necessary.
Special Instructions
The test is not chiral specific, which means it does not differentiate between the enantiomers of citalopram and escitalopram. Patients who have taken escitalopram (Lexapro) instead of racemic citalopram (Celexa) within the past three days may have falsely elevated values. It is performed by a non-ARUP laboratory and requires separate specimens if multiple tests are ordered concurrently.
Limitations
This test cannot differentiate between the enantiomers of citalopram and escitalopram, potentially resulting in falsely elevated results if the patient is on escitalopram. The concentrations can vary depending on the drug form administered, and it is crucial to consider this when interpreting results. Additionally, this test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA, although it follows CLIA regulations and is New York state approved.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 34635-3
Result Turnaround Time
5-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer serum or plasma into an ARUP standard transport tube.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated. Also acceptable: Room temperature or frozen.
Causes for Rejection
Separator tubes.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 month |
| Refrigerated | 1 month |
| Frozen | 7 months |