Antidepressants

Does a drug test detect Desipramine?

Yes. Desipramine is one of the 76 compounds in the LabX LC-MS/MS confirmation panel, reported as detected at or above 50 ng/mL. Desipramine is not one of the 12 lines on the LabX 12-panel screen. It is identified by adding laboratory confirmation, which tests for all 76 compounds on the panel.

50 ng/mLLaboratory cut-off
50–5,000 ng/mLReportable range
4 hours-10 daysApprox. window (varies)
LC-MS/MSConfirmation method

What is Desipramine?

Desipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant. It is prescribed on its own and is also the main active metabolite of imipramine.

Also known as or found in: Norpramin.

Medical use

Desipramine is prescribed for depression.

How LabX tests for Desipramine

Desipramine is measured by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which separates the compounds in a sample and identifies each one by its mass. That is different from a rapid screen, which reacts to a family of drugs and can occasionally react to a related substance. The laboratory reports Desipramine as detected when its concentration is at or above the cut-off of 50 ng/mL, within a reportable range of 50–5,000 ng/mL. It is one of 14 compounds in the antidepressants family on the 76-drug confirmation panel.

Detection window

The laboratory's confirmation report lists an approximate detection window of 4 hours-10 days for Desipramine. Treat that as a rough guide only: how long any compound stays measurable varies with the amount taken, how often it is used, body composition, metabolism, kidney and liver function, and hydration. A laboratory result cannot be used to work out when a substance was taken.

Screen versus confirmation

Desipramine is not one of the 12 lines on the LabX 12-panel screen. It is identified by adding laboratory confirmation, which tests for all 76 compounds on the panel.

Worth knowing

Desipramine alongside imipramine usually reflects imipramine metabolism; desipramine on its own more often reflects desipramine itself.

About this drug family

Commonly prescribed antidepressants and their metabolites. They are not part of standard drug screens and are identified when a clinician needs a full medication picture.

Common questions

Does a drug test detect Desipramine?

Yes. Desipramine is one of the 76 compounds in the LabX LC-MS/MS confirmation panel, reported as detected at or above 50 ng/mL. Desipramine is not one of the 12 lines on the LabX 12-panel screen. It is identified by adding laboratory confirmation, which tests for all 76 compounds on the panel.

What is the laboratory cut-off for Desipramine?

LabX reports Desipramine as detected at or above 50 ng/mL, and the method's reportable range is 50–5,000 ng/mL. A result below the cut-off is reported as not detected; it does not prove none was present.

How long can Desipramine be detected?

The laboratory lists an approximate window of 4 hours-10 days, but it varies with dose, frequency of use, metabolism and hydration, and cannot be used to tell when something was taken.

Can a 12-panel drug screen detect Desipramine?

Desipramine is not one of the 12 lines on the LabX 12-panel screen. It is identified by adding laboratory confirmation, which tests for all 76 compounds on the panel.

Is Desipramine a prescription medicine?

Desipramine is prescribed for depression.

Related compounds

Terms on this page: metabolite Β· cut-off Β· detection window Β· presumptive result Β· confirmation test. More questions: LabX answers.

Test for Desipramine and 75 other compounds

12-panel urine $89 or fingerstick blood $99, plus the 76-drug LC-MS/MS confirmation for +$89.

At-home drug tests and test kits are not currently available to addresses in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island or California. Results are not a diagnosis β€” review them with a licensed physician.

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Talk to a licensed physician. LabX Diagnostics and Vantage provide laboratory testing only. The information on this page is educational and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider about test results, symptoms or medicines, and before making any health decision. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911. Read our medical disclaimer.

Medical disclaimer. LabX Diagnostics and Vantage provide laboratory testing only. Test results and information on this site are for informational purposes and are not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider about your results and before making any health decision. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911. Read the full disclaimer.

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