Diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor)
Use
This test is used to monitor levels of diltiazem, a medication prescribed for the treatment of hypertension, angina pectoris, and certain types of arrhythmias. Monitoring diltiazem levels ensures therapeutic efficacy while minimizing the risk of toxicity. Therapeutic drug monitoring can provide critical information to guide dosage adjustments based on specific patient needs, thus optimizing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing adverse effects.
Special Instructions
Submit only one of the following specimens: Plasma - draw blood in a green-top (sodium heparin) tube(s), spin down, and send 3 mL sodium heparin plasma refrigerated in a plastic vial. Serum - draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s), spin down, and send 3 mL of serum refrigerated in a plastic vial. Plasma gel tube and serum gel tube are not acceptable.
Limitations
Results should be interpreted considering the clinical context of the patient, including other medications being taken. Hemolytic, lipemic, and icteric samples might affect the analytical results, although specific rejection criteria are reported as N/A. The reference range provided is specific to Mayo Clinic methodologies and may differ from other laboratories' reference ranges. Accurate patient history and medication compliance are essential for correct interpretation.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-UV)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6898-1
- 6898-1
Result Turnaround Time
3-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a green-top (sodium heparin) tube(s), spin down and send 3 mL sodium heparin plasma refrigerated in a plastic vial. Plasma gel tube is not acceptable.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated preferred; stable for 14 days, ambient for 72 hours, frozen for 180 days.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis: NA, Lipemia: NA, Icteric: NA, Other: NA
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |