Mirtazapine (Remeron)
Use
Mirtazapine is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder. Testing for its serum concentration can help in optimizing dosage and compliance with therapy, as well as in avoiding potential toxicity. Monitoring serves to correlate clinical response with drug levels, ensuring therapeutic levels are maintained while preventing adverse effects. This test is particularly significant for patients with varying drug metabolism rates or those on interacting medications.
Special Instructions
Collect either a serum or plasma sample, but avoid using gel tubes as they are unacceptable. Proper handling and timely refrigeration are essential to maintain specimen integrity.
Limitations
The test results are dependent on the specimen's proper collection, handling, and storage. Gel tubes are not acceptable due to potential interference with the test assay. Mirtazapine levels may be affected by other co-administered medications that influence hepatic metabolism. Additionally, no toxic range has been established, so clinical correlation by a healthcare provider remains crucial.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 17283-3
- 17283-3
Result Turnaround Time
3-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Plastic vial after spinning down from a green-top (sodium heparin) tube
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a green-top (sodium heparin) tube, spin down, and send 2 mL sodium heparin plasma refrigerated.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate after spinning down.
Causes for Rejection
Gel tubes are not acceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |