Ordering Recommendation

Use to optimize dosing and monitor patient adherence. Test only measures desipramine concentration; if imipramine will be administered, order Imipramine and Desipramine, Serum and Plasma (0090157).

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

Serum predose (trough) draw at a steady-state concentration or plasma predose (trough) draw at a steady-state concentration in plain red, lavender (K2EDTA), lavender (K3EDTA), or pink (K2EDTA).

Specimen Preparation

Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP standard transport tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Whole blood. Gel Separator Tubes, Light Blue (Sodium Citrate), or Yellow (SPS or ACD Solution).

Remarks
Stability

Ambient: 5 days; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 6 months

Methodology

Quantitative Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Performed

Mon, Wed, Fri

Reported

1-7 days

Reference Interval

Therapeutic Range: 100-300 ng/mL
Toxic: Greater than 500 ng/mL

Interpretive Data

The therapeutic range is based on serum predose (trough) draw at steady-state concentration. Toxic concentrations may cause anticholinergic effects, drowsiness and cardiac abnormalities.

Compliance Category

Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)

Note

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

80335 (Alt code: G0480)

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
2011491 Desipramine Serum or Plasma 3531-1
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • Norpramin
  • Pertofrane
  • TCA
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants
Desipramine, Serum or Plasma by Tandem Mass Spectrometry (Test on Referral as of 03/05/24)