Desipramine, Serum
Use
This test is useful for monitoring the serum concentration of desipramine during therapy and evaluating potential desipramine toxicity. It may also aid in evaluating patient compliance. Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant and a metabolite of imipramine. It is often used for enuresis in children and severe obsessive-compulsive neurosis. The antidepressant effect is usually evident after 1 to 3 weeks of treatment, with a therapeutic concentration range of 100 to 300 ng/mL. However, concentrations above 400 ng/mL are associated with side effects and potential cardiac toxicity.
Special Instructions
For accurate results, serum should be collected immediately before the next scheduled dose, at a minimum of 12 hours after the last dose. Serum must be separated from cells within 2 hours post-collection to prevent falsely elevated results from drug release by red blood cells. Specimens obtained from gel tubes are not acceptable due to potential drug absorption by the gel, leading to falsely decreased concentrations.
Limitations
This test cannot be performed on whole blood. Mismanagement of specimens, such as delayed separation of serum from cells or use of unacceptable collection containers, may result in inaccurate desipramine levels. Furthermore, despite the therapeutic range, some individuals may experience toxicity within this range, necessitating clinical evaluation beyond serum concentration measurements. The test's performance characteristics have not been cleared or approved by the FDA, and it is not suitable for diagnosing disorders beyond those stated.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3531-1
- 3531-1
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
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Gross icterus. Specimens collected in Serum gel/SST tubes are not acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |