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Test Code MPHNU Methylphenidate and Metabolite, Random, Urine


Additional Testing Requirements


If urine creatinine is required or adulteration of the sample is suspected, also order ADULT / Adulterants Survey, Random, Urine. For more information, see ADULT / Adulterants Survey, Random, Urine.



Specimen Required


Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Plastic urine container

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic, 5-mL tube

Specimen Volume: 5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Collect a random urine specimen.

2. No preservative.

Additional Information:

1. No specimen substitutions.

2. STAT requests are not accepted for this test.

3. Submitting less than 1 mL will compromise the ability to perform all necessary testing.


Useful For

Monitoring urine methylphenidate and ritalinic acid concentrations to assess compliance in patients

Method Name

Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Reporting Name

Methylphenidate and Metabolite, U

Specimen Type

Urine

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Urine Refrigerated (preferred) 10 days
  Frozen  28 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross icterus OK

Clinical Information

Methylphenidate (MPH) is utilized for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. MPH has two chiral centers and is marketed as a racemic mixture and as the active d-enantiomer of racemic MPH. Although the exact mechanism of its action has not been fully defined, it blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron thus increasing the concentrations of these monoamines in the extraneural space.

Reference Values

Negative

 

Cutoff concentrations by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry:

Methylphenidate: 10 ng/mL

Ritalinic Acid: 50 ng/mL

Interpretation

Methylphenidate (MPH) has an oral bioavailability of 22% to 100% with peak concentrations occurring around 2 hours for instant release and approximately 5 to 6 hours for extended-release formulations. The half-life of MPH is 2 to 4 hours. MPH is extensively metabolized to ritalinic acid, which is an inactive metabolite. The half-life of ritalinic acid is about 3 to 4 hours. Only small quantities (<1%) of unchanged MPH appear in the urine as most of the dose (60%-86%) is excreted in the urine as ritalinic acid. The presence of MPH or ritalinic acid in the urine indicates the patient has taken MPH in the past 1 to 2 days.

Cautions

No significant cautionary statements.

Method Description

The urine sample is centrifuged, diluted with internal standard and clinical laboratory reagent water, and then analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.(Unpublished Mayo method)

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Report Available

2 to 4 days

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

80360

G0480 (if appropriate)

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
MPHNU Methylphenidate and Metabolite, U 104676-2

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
608882 Methylphenidate by LC-MS/MS 20548-4
608883 Ritalinic Acid by LC-MS/MS 72790-9
608884 Methylphenidate Interpretation 69050-3