Tricyclic Antidepressants, Plasma

Test ID: 

706711

CPT code:

80337

Synonyms:

Tricyclic Antidepressants Screen, Serum or Plasma

Clinical Use:

Detect the presence of tricyclic antidepressants

Test Information:

Tricyclic antidepressants are prescribed for the treatment of endogenous depression and neuralgic pain disorders. The tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline, imipramine, doxepin, and their demethylated metabolites, nortriptyline and desipramine. The tricyclic antidepressants block neuronal uptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. The degree of inhibition seems to correlate with antidepressant activity. These drugs also have sedative effects.

Specimen Type:

Serum or plasma

Requested Volume: 

2 mL

Minimum Volume: 

0.6 mL

Container Type: 

Red-top tube, lavender-top (EDTA) tube, or green-top (heparin) tube. Do not use a gel-barrier tube. The use of gel-barrier tubes is not recommended due to slow absorption of the drug by the gel. Depending on the specimen volume and storage time, the decrease in drug level due to absorption may be clinically significant.

Collection:

Transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigerate.

Stability Requirements:

Rejection Criteria

Gel-barrier tube