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HelpMayo Test ID DESPR Desipramine, Serum
Specimen 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.
Useful For
Monitoring serum concentration of desipramine during therapy
Evaluating potential desipramine toxicity
May aid in evaluating patient compliance
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Desipramine, SSpecimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
Interpretation
Most individuals display optimal response to desipramine with serum levels of 100 to 300 ng/mL. Some individuals may respond well outside of this range or may display toxicity within the therapeutic range; thus, interpretation should include clinical evaluation. Risk of toxicity is increased with levels above 400 ng/mL.
Cautions
This test cannot be performed on whole blood. Serum must be separated from cells within 2 hours of collection; if serum is not removed within this time, tricyclic antidepressant levels may be falsely elevated due to drug release from red blood cells.
Specimens that are obtained from gel tubes are not acceptable, as the drug can absorb on the gel and lead to falsely decreased concentrations.
Clinical Reference
1. Wille SM, Cooreman SG, Neels HM, Lambert WE. Relevant issues in the monitoring and toxicology of antidepressants. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2008;45(1):25-89
2. Thanacoody HK, Thomas SH. Antidepressant poisoning. Clin Med. 2003;3(2):114-118
3. Hiemke C, Bergemann N, Clement HW, et al. Consensus guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring in neuropsychopharmacology: Update 2017. Pharmacopsychiatry. 2018;51(1-02):9-62
4. Milone MC, Shaw LM. Therapeutic drugs and their management. In: Rifai N, Chiu RWK, Young I, Burnham CAD, Wittwer CT, eds. Tietz Textbook of Laboratory Medicine. 7th ed. Elsevier; 2023:420-453.
Method Description
The tricyclic antidepressants are extracted from serum using a solvent crash to precipitate proteins. The supernatant is remove and analysis is by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).(Unpublished Mayo method)
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Report Available
3 to 5 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
80299
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| DESPR | Desipramine, S | 3531-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 37123 | Desipramine, S | 3531-1 |