OVERVIEW

Purpose: Detection and quantification of methylphenidate in urine.

CLINICAL INFORMATION

Methylphenidate, classified as a mild central nervous system stimulant, is used for the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in both children and adults. Following ingestion, methylphenidate undergoes extensive metabolic conversion to ritalinic acid, an inactive metabolite.

In urine analysis, only trace amounts (<1%) of unchanged methylphenidate are detectable, as the majority of the administered dose (60%-86%) is excreted in the form of ritalinic acid. The identification of either methylphenidate or ritalinic acid in urine signifies the patient's utilization of methylphenidate within the past 1 to 2 days.

SPECIMEN COLLECTION

Specimen Type: Random urine
Preferred Collection Container: Non-sterile specimen container
Specimen Required: 3 mL urine; minimum 1 mL

TEST DETAILS

Methodology: Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Compliance Category: Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)
This test was developed and assessed by DMD in compliance with CLIA requirements for its analytical performance characteristics and clinical application. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Reference Interval: Negative
Drug/Metabolite Tested:
Drug/Metabolite Cutoff concentration (to be confirmed by our assay)
Methylphenidate 20 ng/mL
Ritalinic Acid 50 ng/mL
CPT code(s): 80360
Turnaround Time: 90% < 48 hours, 50% < 24 hours

SPECIMEN PROCESSING

Transport Temperature: Refrigerated (preferred) or room temperature overnight shipping.
Specimen Stability: 3 days at room temperature and 14 days at refrigerated and frozen temperatures (to be further confirmed with our validation).
Rejection Criteria: Stability limits exceeded.

Director: Cheryl Hanau, MD; Donald Hall Jr., PhD; Garth Ehrlich, PhD; Yinghua Qiu, PhD, DABCC

Review Date: 08/28/2023

Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding. Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed. The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

The information on these pages is provided for general information only and should not be used for diagnosis or treatment, or as a substitute for consultation with a physician or health care professional. If you have specific questions or concerns about your health, you should consult your health care professional.

 
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