Laboratory Test Directory

UTMB Google.com

Alphabetical Index

Search the Test Directory

Hours and Location

Specimen Collection

Antimicrobial Susceptibility Profile

Critical Values

AMCOM Paging Instructions

AMCOM Paging System

Phlebotomy Services

Normal Ranges

Laboratory Fee Schedule

Porphyria Shipping Instructions (New)

Therapeutic Guidelines

Heparin Therapy

Oral Anticoagulant therapy

Transfusion Criteria

 

Client Services

Laboratory Accreditation

Medicare & HIPAA Compliance
 

NORTRIPYLINE, serum (087-0668)
Test Mnemonic:

  NORTRIP
Methodology:

 LC/MS/MS
Performed:

Special  Chemistry: Monday – Friday:  7 am – 3:30 pm.

Turnaround Time:

  Routine: 3-5 days  
Specimen Requirements: Collect: Routine venipuncture. The optimal time for collection of specimens for steady-date levels is between 10 and 14 hours after the last dose of medication for patients taking antidepressants once a day, and just before the morning dose for patients who are on a divided dose schedule.  Collect 7 mL of blood in Red-topped tube. Do not use SST/serum separator tubes. (Min.: 3mL of blood).  

DO NOT draw blood in SST/gel separator vacutainer tube.

Specimen Preparation: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Centrifuge to separate serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer serum from collection tube to labeled plastic transport tube.   

 Storage/Transport:   Delivered to Sample Management within 2 hours of collection. 

Stability:   Store frozen (if analysis is not performed immediately) for ≤1 year. (Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles).   

Causes for Rejection: Blood drawn in SST/gel separator vacutainer tube, incomplete and/or incorrect sample identification, improper storage/transport, gross hemolysis, icterus or lipemia.                             
Clinical Information:

If applicable, state clinical information that is required to be provided with specimen.
Reference Range:

By report (reports may vary based on instrumentation, patient age and sex)
Note:

 Blood samples received in the TDM laboratory before noon on the day of analysis will be included on the run. STAT requests after 4:00 PM require the approval of the director or pathology resident on call. Metabolites of cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) may cause interference. Nortriptyline cannot be quantitated if the patient is also on cyclobenzaprine. Some of the phenothiazines may also interfere.
CPT 4 Code:

  80182
  Reviewed by Tho Nguyen, MT(ASCP) 7/11/13

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.

  

N
 

  Home  |  Health Care  |  Education  |  Research  |  Business  |  News  |  Contribute  |  Alumni  |  About  |  Contact

©Copyright 2011 UTMB Health, Pathology Clinical Services. Please Review Our Site Policies & Required Links.
301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas, 77555-0743  •  UTMB Maps & Directions

Member, Texas Medical Center®