Ritalin
Clinical System Name
Miscellaneous Test
Synonyms
Methylphenidate
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Whole Blood
Container(s): Red or Dark Green/Sodium Heparin
Preferred Vol: 5 mL
Minimum Vol: 1.2 mL
Note: Do not use gel separator tubes (i.e. no gold tops).
Peak levels occur at 1-3 hours post dose; trough levels often not detectable.
Processing Instructions
Reject due to:
Spin: Y
Aliquot: Y
Temp: -20 C
Storage location: Spin blood - Do NOT use a gel separator! Freeze immediately 2 mL serum or plasma in a plastic tube CPA freezer send-outs rack. Ship frozen on dry ice.
Off-site collection:
Stability
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum or Plasma | Room temp | N |
Refrigerated | N | |
Frozen | Y |
Availability
STAT | Performed | TAT |
---|---|---|
N | Daily | 1 w |
Performing Laboratory
Medtox Laboratories
Department
Department:
Medtox Laboratories
402 West County Road D
St Paul, MN 55112
Phone Number: (800) 832-3244
CPT Codes
82542
Methodology
Method: LC/MS/MS
Analytical Volume: None specified
Limitations:
Reference Range
nG/mL | |
Range | 5 - 20 |
Critical Value | >40 |
Reporting Limit | 1.0 |
Send Out Instructions
Reference Test Name: | Methylphenidate (Ritalin®) |
Reference Test Number: | 79 |
Instructions: | Send out Mon - Thurs (on dry ice) overnight via FedEx using a Medtox requisition and a Medtox paid airbill. |