Ordering Recommendation

Use to optimize dosing and monitor patient adherence.

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation

If amitriptyline is administered, order Amitriptyline and Nortriptyline (ARUP test code 0090158). Timing of specimen collection: Predose (trough) draw at steady-state concentration.

Collect

Plain red. Also acceptable: Lavender (K2 or K3EDTA) or pink (K2EDTA).

Specimen Preparation

Separate serum or plasma from cells 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 (citrate), or yellow (SPS or ACD solution).

Remarks
Stability

After separation from cells: 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:
50-150 ng/mL
Toxic: > 500 ng/mL

Interpretive Data

Toxic concentrations may cause anticholinergic effects, cardiac abnormalities, and seizures.

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
0090074 Nortriptyline 3872-9
* 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

  • Allegron
  • Aventyl
  • Noritren
  • Norpress
  • Nortrilen
  • Pamelor
  • Sensoval
  • TCA
  • Tricyclic Antidepressants
Nortriptyline (Test on Referral as of 03/05/24)