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Test Code TCA Tricyclic Antidepressants Total

Patient Preparation

No special patient preparation required

Special Collection Instructions

For trough values, draw immediately before next scheduled dose

Collection Method

Venous collection

Minimum Volume

  • Adults: 0.8 mL
  • Pediatric: 0.6 mL

Container

Lt Green / Plasma Separator / Lithium Heparin

Preferred Specimen

Light Green Top (lithium heparin) plasma

Acceptable Specimens

Serum:

  • Gold Top SST

  • Red Top

Plasma:
  • Light Geen Top (lithium heparin)
  • Purple or Pink Top(K2/K3 EDTA)

Reference or Target Ranges

Therapeutic range of nortriptyline 50 – 150 (trough) ng/mL

Reportable Units

ng/mL

Critical Value

>500

Reasons for Rejection



<!-- Rejection-->
Hemolysis Threshold
 500 mg/dL
Icterus Threshold
 40 mg/dL
Lipemia Threshold
 3000 mL
Other
 QNS, contaminated, improperly labeled, improper specimen type

Specimen Stability



<!-- Stability -->
Ambient
 8 hours
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C)
 48 hours
Frozen(-40°C to 0°C)
 1 week

Performance Information



<!-- Performance information -->
Days and Time Performed
 24/7
Expected Turn Around Time
 Stat: 1 hour
Routine: 4 hours
Stat Availability
 Yes
Performing Bench
 UH Chemistry
Methodology/Method Description
 Roche Cobas – Competition principle

Additional Information/Important Notes

Important note:The concentration is reported with nortriptyline as the standard. Tricyclics other than nortriptyline may vary in their degree of detection.

CPT Codes

80307