Propoxyphene Level

Darvon^®

Test Codes

Order Reference Lab Miscellaneous Send Out: EPIC: LAB848, Beaker: Ref. Lab Misc., ARUP: 3003723

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One plain Red-top tube.
Also acceptable: One Lavender-top EDTA.

Do not use Serum Separator Tubes.
Time of Collection: Trough, just prior to the next dose.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Centrifuge to separate serum or plasma from cells within two hours of collection. Transfer serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 2.0 mL serum or plasma, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.7 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Serum Separator (SST) tubes.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Centrifuge to separate serum from cells within two hours of collection. Transfer serum  to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: 1.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 3 years (avoid repeat freeze/thaw cycles)

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to ARUP Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT, and forwarded to NMS Labs, Horsham, PA.

Performed

Varies.
Results available in 8-11 days.

Reference Range

By report.

NOTE: Amitriptyline is a known interference.

Test Methodology

Quantitative Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Interpretation

Drugs Covered: Propoxyphene and Norpropoxyphene (Propoxyphene Metabolite).

CPT Codes

80367 (alternate code: G0480).

Contacts

Last Updated

3/4/2026