Phencyclidine (PCP), Confirmation, serum
Use
The Phencyclidine (PCP) test is utilized to confirm the presence of PCP in serum. PCP is a dissociative drug known for its mind-altering effects, which can be both stimulating and hallucinogenic. The test is critical for the clinical assessment of patients who have used PCP, allowing healthcare providers to determine potential toxicity levels in the body. Detecting and confirming the presence of PCP in the bloodstream assists in diagnosing drug abuse, managing possible drug overdose scenarios, and monitoring patient compliance during drug rehabilitation programs.
Special Instructions
This test should be ordered only when there is a relevant clinical suspicion of PCP use or overdose. Proper specimen handling and submission are critical to avoid any compromise in test accuracy, including avoiding hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus that might affect the results. It's important to follow the specific specimen collection and handling instructions as outlined by the laboratory guidelines.
Limitations
The test specifically detects phencyclidine in the serum and, as such, may not provide information on the use of other substances or the specific timeframe of PCP usage. Past abnormalities in serum may disrupt results, including interference due to improper sample handling or storage. Certain medications or compounds structurally similar to PCP may potentially interfere with the test results, leading to false positives. Non-serum matrices are not validated for this analytical method.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3934-7
- 3934-7
Result Turnaround Time
5-9 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
5 mL
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Container
Red-top tube; serum gel tube not acceptable
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a plain red-top tube(s), spin down, and send 5 mL of serum refrigerated in a plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred) for 14 days; can also be stored frozen for 180 days.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis, lipemia, icterus, or any other non-specific conditions leading to sample deterioration.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |