Clorazepate (Assayed as Nordiazepam)
Also known as: CLORAZ
Use
This test is used to optimize dosing and monitor patient adherence to clorazepate therapy, which is assayed as nordiazepam. Clorazepate is used for its calming effects and to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and seizures. The test measures the concentration of nordiazepam in the patient's blood to ensure that the dosage is within a therapeutic range and not at toxic levels that could depress the central nervous system.
Special Instructions
The specimen should be collected predose (trough) at steady state concentration for accurate monitoring of the therapeutic levels.
Limitations
The test only measures nordiazepam to assess clorazepate levels. It may not accurately reflect the activity of other related metabolites or drugs. Hemolyzed specimens and samples collected in unapproved containers such as gel separator tubes or light blue (sodium citrate) tubes will not be accepted, as these could potentially affect the results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3498-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
gray (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride), plain red, green (sodium heparin), lavender (K2 or K3EDTA), pink (K2EDTA)
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 2 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP standard transport tube.
Patient Preparation
Predose (trough) draw at steady state concentration.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Gel separator tubes, plasma or whole blood collected in light blue (sodium citrate), hemolyzed specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 week |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 3 years |