Clomipramine, Serum
Use
Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as panic disorder and treatment-resistant depression. The test measures the serum concentration of clomipramine and its metabolite norclomipramine to assist in optimizing the administered dose. Accurate monitoring can help determine therapeutic response and ensure patient compliance. The relationship between serum concentrations and therapeutic outcomes is not fully established, although there are indications that low levels can correlate with non-response and high levels with increased side effects.
Special Instructions
The specimen should be collected immediately before the next scheduled dose, at least 12 hours after the last dose, to ensure accurate trough levels. Use a red top collection tube and transfer to a plastic vial. Serum must be separated from cells within 2 hours to prevent falsely elevated tricyclic antidepressant levels.
Limitations
This test is not suitable for whole blood. Delays in serum separation can lead to falsely elevated results due to drug release from red blood cells. Collection in serum gel tubes is not acceptable due to drug absorption on the gel, leading to falsely decreased results. The therapeutic and toxic ranges are not well defined, and there is variability in individual response due to hepatic metabolism.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 43127-0
- 3491-8
- 3536-0
- 3493-4
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Collect specimen immediately before next scheduled dose (minimum 12 hours after last dose). Centrifuge and aliquot Serum into a plastic vial. Serum must be separated from cells within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Use of serum gel tubes.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |