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Test ID DIA Diazepam and Nordiazepam, Serum

Useful For

Assessing compliance

 

Monitoring for appropriate therapeutic level

 

Assessing toxicity

Method Name

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Reporting Name

Diazepam and Nordiazepam, S

Specimen Type

Serum Red

Container/Tube: Red top

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Neurology Test Request Form-General (T732) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/neurology-request-form.pdf)

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Red Refrigerated (preferred) 14 days
  Ambient  14 days
  Frozen  14 days

Clinical Information

Diazepam, a benzodiazepine derivative, is an anxiolytic agent that reduces neuronal depolarization resulting in decreased action potentials. It enhances the action of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) by tightly binding to A-type GABA receptors, thus opening the membrane channels and allowing the entry of chloride ions. It is also used as a muscle relaxant, procedural sedation agent, and sedative-hypnotic agent to treat withdrawal states (ie, ethanol), along with other conditions (seizures).

 

Diazepam is metabolized to several metabolites in the liver including temazepam, oxazepam, and nordiazepam (desmethyldiazepam) and the clearance of the drug is reduced considerably in the elderly and in patients with hepatic disease.

 

Therapeutic assessment typically includes measurement of both the parent drug (diazepam) and the active metabolite (nordiazepam).

Reference Values

Therapeutic concentrations

Diazepam and Nordiazepam: 200-2,500 ng/mL

Cautions

No significant cautionary statements.

Day(s) Performed

Tuesday; 11 a.m.

Report Available

2 days

Performing 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

80346

G0480 (if appropriate)

NY State Approved

Yes