Lab Test

Tricyclic Antidepressant (TCA) Screen

Elavil, Aventyl, Pamelor, Tofranil, Norpramin, Sinequan, Amitriptyline, Nortriptyline, Imipramine, Desipramine, Doxepin

Test Codes

Antrim #13695, EPIC: LAB5910, SOFT: TCASQ

Department

Toxicology

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: 30 mL random urine in a sterile collection container.

Record the exact time of specimen collection on the tube or in the computer system.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the urine sample within two hours of collection. (Minimum: 30 mL urine).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Urine in a sterile collection container, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 30 mL urine)

In-Lab Processing

Deliver the urine sample in its original container immediately to the appropriate testing station.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 72 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 3 months

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 2 months

Laboratory

Royal Oak Toxicology Laboratory

Performed

Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
STAT results available within 2 hours of receipt in the Laboratory.
Routine results available within 24 hours.

Reference Range

See individual assays. This assay screens for the presence of the following drugs: AmitriptylineNortriptylineImipramineDesipramine, Doxepin, Trimipramine and Clomipramine

Test Methodology

Urine Screen: Gas Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. (GC/MS).

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Beaumont Health. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. The Laboratory is regulated under CLIA as qualified to perform high-complexity testing. This test is used for clinical purposes and should not be regarded as investigational or for research.

Interpretation

This assay screens urine for the presence of the following drugs: Amitriptyline, NortriptylineImipramine, Desipramine, Doxepin, Clomipramine and Trimipramine. If a serum quantitation is desired, it may be ordered as a separate test.

Clinical Utility

This assay is designed primarily for the detection and quantitation of toxic concentrations of tricyclic antidepressants.

CPT Codes

80337 x 5.
LOINC:  Amitriptyline 3333-2

Contacts

Last Updated

1/20/2023

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