Diazepam

Overview

  • EPIC Code:
  • MISC
  • Soft Test Code:
  • MSOT
  • Send Out Test Code:
  • 44964
Alternate Names
  • Valium
Included Tests

Diazepam; Nordiazepam


Clinical Significance

Diazepam (Valium®, Valrelease) is the second benzodiazepine derivative to have been approved for human usage (1963) and has been one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in the United States. It is administered as an antianxiety agent, muscle relaxant, or anticonvulsant, orally or by intramuscular or intravenous injection, in single doses of 2-20 mg and up to 40 mg daily. Diazepam undergoes N-demethylation to nordiazepam, a metabolite at least as active as its parent. Overdosage with diazepam generally results in drowsiness, ataxia, and muscular weakness. Chronic usage may cause physical dependence, and grand mal seizures can occur upon withdrawal.


Specimen Collection & Preparation

Specimen Requirements

3.0 mL Serum from a Red Top Tube in a Plastic Vial


Alternate Specimen

 


TransportAndStorage

1 week Refrigerated


Collection Instructions

Do not collect in a Serum Separator Tube (SST or PST)

Let specimen clot for 30 minutes
Centrifuge for 15 minutes
Immediately transfer serum into plastic vial


Minimum Volume

1.0 mL


Neonatal Volumne

Clinical Interpretation

Reference Range:

0.5 - 1.0 mcg/mL


Critical Ranges:

1.0 mcg/mL (combination of Diazepam and Nordiazepam))


Test Comments:

Detect use • Evaluate therapeutic effect or possible toxicity


Methodology:
  • Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)

Clinical Significance

Diazepam (Valium®, Valrelease) is the second benzodiazepine derivative to have been approved for human usage (1963) and has been one of the most frequently prescribed drugs in the United States. It is administered as an antianxiety agent, muscle relaxant, or anticonvulsant, orally or by intramuscular or intravenous injection, in single doses of 2-20 mg and up to 40 mg daily. Diazepam undergoes N-demethylation to nordiazepam, a metabolite at least as active as its parent. Overdosage with diazepam generally results in drowsiness, ataxia, and muscular weakness. Chronic usage may cause physical dependence, and grand mal seizures can occur upon withdrawal.


Production Schedule

Days Performed
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Departments
  • Sendouts - Clinical
Turn Around Time

3 to 5 days


Coding & Compliance

CDM

00910376


CPT Coding

80346