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HelpTest Code DESPR Desipramine, Serum
Additional Codes
SUNQUEST: DESPRM
EPIC: LAB10303
Reporting Name
Desipramine, SUseful 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)
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen 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.
Specimen 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 |
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.
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
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 |
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.
Specimen Retention Time
14 daysReport Available
3 to 5 daysTest 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.Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.