TEST CATALOG ORDERING & RESULTS SPECIMEN HANDLING CUSTOMER SERVICE EDUCATION & INSIGHTS
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Test ID: DIA    
Diazepam and Nordiazepam, Serum

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Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Assessing compliance

 

Monitoring for appropriate therapeutic level

 

Assessing toxicity

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Diazepam, a benzodiazepine derivative, is an anxiolytic agent that reduces neuronal depolarization resulting in decreased action potentials. It enhances the action of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) by tightly binding to A-type GABA receptors, thus opening the membrane channels and allowing the entry of chloride ions. It is also used as a muscle relaxant, procedural sedation agent, and sedative-hypnotic agent to treat withdrawal states (ie, ethanol), along with other conditions (seizures).

 

Diazepam is metabolized to several metabolites in the liver including temazepam, oxazepam, and nordiazepam (desmethyldiazepam) and the clearance of the drug is reduced considerably in the elderly and in patients with hepatic disease.

 

Therapeutic assessment typically includes measurement of both the parent drug (diazepam) and the active metabolite (nordiazepam).

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Therapeutic concentrations

Diazepam and Nordiazepam: 200-2,500 ng/mL

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

For seizures:

Serum concentrations are not usually monitored during early therapy because response to the drug can be monitored clinically as seizure control. If seizures resume despite adequate therapy, another anticonvulsant must be considered.

 

Toxicity is commonly seen when diazepam plus nordiazepam concentrations exceed 3,000 ng/mL. Adverse effects of benzodiazepines in therapeutic doses usually reflect the drug's pharmacology and include sedation, slurred speech, and ataxia. Respiratory depression/arrest may occur with large overdoses or following rapid IV injection with short-acting benzodiazepines.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

No significant cautionary statements

Clinical Reference Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Langman LJ, Bechtel L, Holstege CP: Chapter 35: Clinical Toxicology, In Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. Edited by CA Burtis, ER Ashwood, DE Bruns. WB Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA, 2011, pp 1109-1188

2. Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Edited by CA Burtis, ER Ashwood, DE Bruns, WB Saunders Company, Philadelphia, PA, 2011, Table 60.2, pp 1109-1188