Methylphenidate, Serum or Plasma
Also known as: Ritalin®
Use
Therapeutic drug management
Special Instructions
Serum or plasma samples collected in red-top (no additive) or green-top (heparin) tubes are acceptable. It is important to transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube immediately after collection.
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Labcorp. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Unstable serum or plasma specimens at room temperature or refrigerated conditions should not be used. The test is specific for methylphenidate and may not detect other metabolites or related compounds.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3807-5
- 3807-5
Result Turnaround Time
5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Red-top (no additive) tube or green-top (heparin) tube; gel-barrier tubes not recommended
Collection Instructions
Transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube. Collection time: Peak levels occur at 1-3 hours post dose; trough levels often not.
Storage Instructions
Submission/transport/storage: Freeze.
Causes for Rejection
Specimen received unfrozen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unstable |
| Refrigerated | Unstable |
| Frozen | 14 days |