Drug Monitoring, Antipsychotics, with Confirmation, Serum
Also known as: Aripiprazole (Abilify), Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Thiothixene (Navane), Trifluoperazine (Stelazine), Haloperidol (Haldol)
Use
Monitoring of antipsychotic medications in serum provides insight into patient adherence, potential diversion, drug‑drug interactions, and drug disposition factors. Detection—or absence—of expected drugs/metabolites can inform clinical decisions regarding efficacy or possible misuse ([questdiagnostics.com](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/clinical-education-center/faq/faq191?utm_source=openai)).
Special Instructions
Confirmation testing is performed using the same LC‑MS/MS methodology following a presumptive screen when results exceed assay cutoffs ([questdiagnostics.com](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/clinical-education-center/faq/faq191?utm_source=openai)).
Limitations
Negative results may reflect absence of drug/metabolite or concentrations below assay thresholds; interpretation must consider dosing timing, metabolism variability, and potential diversion or non‑adherence ([questdiagnostics.com](https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/clinical-education-center/faq/faq191?utm_source=openai)).
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
Not provided.
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL (preferred)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Red‑top tube (no gel)
Causes for Rejection
Serum separator tube (SST) not acceptable
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 5 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |