Meperidine (Demerol) and Normeperidine, serum
Use
This test is used to measure the levels of Meperidine (Demerol) and its metabolite Normeperidine in the bloodstream to assess potential toxicity, patient compliance, and to aid in the management of pain therapy. Meperidine is a narcotic analgesic, and monitoring its levels can help ensure therapeutic effectiveness and prevent overdose or serious side effects, especially in patients with conditions such as renal impairment, where metabolite accumulation could be harmful.
Special Instructions
Specimens should be collected in the appropriate tube types and handled accordingly to maintain sample integrity before analysis. Plasma should not be collected in gel tubes and should be refrigerated as soon as possible. Serum samples should also avoid gel tubes and be carefully processed to ensure accurate test results.
Limitations
Test results can be affected by improper specimen collection, handling, or storage. Hemolysis, lipemia, and icterus do not cause rejection but might interfere with accuracy. Certain medications taken by the patient might interfere with the test results. Normeperidine does not have established reference ranges, which may limit interpretive guidance.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 68314-4
- 73934-2
- 73933-4
Result Turnaround Time
5-9 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Green-top (sodium heparin) tube
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a green-top tube, spin down, and send plasma refrigerated in a plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate the specimen as soon as possible after collection.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |