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HelpTest ID DESPR Desipramine, Serum
Useful For
Monitoring serum concentration during therapy
Evaluating potential toxicity
The test may also be useful to evaluate patient compliance
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Desipramine, SSpecimen Type
Serum RedContainer/Tube: Red top
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Draw specimen immediately before next scheduled dose (minimum 12 hours after last dose).
2. Serum must be separated from cells within 2 hours of draw.
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 |
Clinical Information
Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant; it also is 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 in excess of 300 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 in excess of 300 ng/mL.
Reference Values
Therapeutic concentration: 100-300 ng/mL
Note: Therapeutic ranges are for specimens drawn at trough (ie, immediately before next scheduled dose). Levels may be elevated in non-trough specimens.
Cautions
This test cannot be performed on whole blood. Serum must be separated from cells within 2 hours of drawing; if serum is not removed within this time, tricyclic antidepressant levels may be falsely elevated due to drug release from RBCs. Specimens that are obtained from gel tubes are also not acceptable, as the drug can absorb on the gel and lead to falsely decreased concentrations.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday; Varies
Report Available
2 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
80335
G0480 (if appropriate)