Test Code IMIPR Imipramine and Desipramine, Serum
Additional Codes
CNE Order Code: Imipramine
Useful For
Monitoring imipramine and desipramine concentrations during therapy
Evaluating potential imipramine and desipramine toxicity
May aid in evaluating patient compliance
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Imipramine and Desipramine, SSpecimen 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 |
---|---|---|
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
Imipramine and Desipramine
Total therapeutic concentration: 175-300 ng/mL
Desipramine
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.
Interpretation
Most individuals display optimal response to imipramine when combined serum levels of imipramine and desipramine are between 175 and 300 ng/mL. Risk of toxicity is increased with levels above 400 ng/mL.
Most individuals display optimal response to desipramine with serum levels of 100 to 300 ng/mL. Risk of toxicity is increased with desipramine levels above 400 ng/mL.
Some individuals may respond well outside of these ranges or may display toxicity within the therapeutic range; thus, interpretation should include clinical evaluation.
Therapeutic ranges are based on specimen collected at trough (ie, immediately before the next dose).
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Report Available
3 to 5 daysPerforming Laboratory

CPT Code Information
80299
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
IMIPR | Imipramine and Desipramine, S | 43123-9 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
63508 | Imipramine | 3690-5 |
37121 | Desipramine | 3531-1 |
37122 | Imipramine and Desipramine | 9627-1 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724)
-Therapeutics Test Request (T831)