Trazodone (Desyrel)
Use
Trazodone testing is used to monitor drug levels in patients undergoing treatment for depression or other mental health disorders where trazodone is prescribed. It ensures appropriate dosing by measuring blood levels to avoid toxicity and ensure the drug is within therapeutic range. This is particularly important for patients experiencing side effects or lack of therapeutic response, allowing adjustments in dosage to achieve desired clinical outcomes. Routine monitoring also helps assess patient adherence to the prescribed medication regimen and detect any potential drug interactions that could affect trazodone levels.
Special Instructions
Collect blood in a plain red-top tube. Serum gel tubes are not acceptable for this test. After collecting the blood sample, it must be spun down and the serum should be sent refrigerated in a plastic vial. Always label specimens clearly to avoid processing delays and ensure the correct monitoring protocol is followed.
Limitations
This test specifically measures trazodone levels and may not detect all metabolites or related drugs. The presence of hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus can interfere with the integrity of the specimen, potentially leading to inaccurate results. Additionally, results may vary based on individual patient metabolism, and external factors such as drug interactions can influence drug levels. Therefore, this test should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis or treatment decisions but in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic procedures.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 4064-2
- 4064-2
Result Turnaround Time
5-9 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a plain red-top tube(s), serum gel tube is not acceptable. Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated in a plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate the serum sample prior to shipping. Ensure the specimen is correctly labeled and securely packed to maintain proper temperature during transport.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis, Lipemia, Icterus, or other stated conditions
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |