Propoxyphene, Serum or Plasma
Also known as: Darvocet-N®, Darvon®
Use
Monitor therapeutic levels of propoxyphene (Darvon®).
Special Instructions
The specimen should be collected immediately prior to the next dose of propoxyphene. A red-top tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube, or green-top (heparin) tube should be used, avoiding gel-barrier tubes due to slow drug absorption by the gel. Depending on the specimen volume and storage time, the decrease in drug level due to absorption may be clinically significant.
Limitations
The test was developed and conducted by LabCorp and has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. This limitation implies that the test could have performance or analytical constraints that are not evaluated by regulatory authorities. It is also important to consider that toxicity can be neutralized by narcotic antagonists, and that propoxyphene can also be measured in urine for drugs-of-abuse evaluation. The half-life of propoxyphene varies between 8 to 24 hours, indicating possible variability in test results based on timing of sample collection relative to oral dosing.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3543-6
- 3543-6
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Red-top tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube or green-top (heparin) tube. Do not use a gel-barrier tube.
Collection Instructions
Collect specimen immediately prior to next dose.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Gel-barrier tube
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |