Furosemide (Lasix)
Use
The Furosemide (Lasix) test is used to measure the concentration of furosemide, a diuretic medication, in the patient's plasma or serum. This test aids in monitoring therapeutic levels, ensuring efficacy, minimizing toxicity, and tailoring dosages for patients who are on furosemide therapy. It is crucial for patients undergoing treatment for conditions such as hypertension and edema associated with congestive heart failure, liver disease, or renal disease.
Special Instructions
Specimen should be drawn in the appropriate tube specified for plasma or serum. Hemolysis, lipemia, icterus, and other conditions could lead to specimen rejection. It is important to follow the collection and handling methods carefully to ensure specimen validity.
Limitations
The test measures furosemide concentration but does not account for factors affecting drug distribution and metabolism like adherence to dosage schedule, interactions with other medications, and individual metabolic differences. Incorrect specimen handling or processing, including the presence of unsuitable conditions like gel barriers, can lead to inaccurate results. Moreover, interpretation should consider clinical context and possible interference from substances or other conditions not measured by this assay.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3659-0
- 3659-0
Result Turnaround Time
7-11 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a green-top (sodium heparin) tube(s), spin down and send 1 mL sodium heparin plasma refrigerated in a plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated transport is preferred.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis, lipemia, icterus, other undesirable specimen conditions.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |