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HelpTest Code DESPR Desipramine, Serum
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Specimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (Serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect specimen immediately before next scheduled dose (minimum 12 hours after last dose).
2. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial. Serum must be separated from cells within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 7 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Clinical Information
Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant and a metabolite of imipramine. These drugs have also been employed in the treatment of enuresis (involuntary urination) in childhood and severe obsessive-compulsive neurosis. Desipramine is the antidepressant of choice in patients where maximal stimulation is indicated.
The therapeutic concentration of desipramine is 100 to 300 ng/mL. About 1 to 3 weeks of treatment are required before therapeutic effectiveness becomes apparent.
The most frequent side effects are those attributable to anticholinergic effects: dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, tachycardia, palpitations, blurred vision, and urinary retention. These occur at blood concentrations more than 400 ng/mL, although they may occur at therapeutic concentrations in the early stage of therapy. Cardiac toxicity (first-degree heart block) is usually associated with blood concentrations more than 400 ng/mL.
Reference Values
Therapeutic concentration: 100-300 ng/mL
Note: Therapeutic ranges are for specimens collected at trough (ie, immediately before next scheduled dose).
Levels may be elevated in non-trough specimens.
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Report Available
3 to 5 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
80299
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.