Drug Screen – NSAIDs (LC/MS)
The Drug Screen – NSAIDs (LC/MS) test uses liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) to detect and quantify a wide range of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in serum samples. NSAIDs are commonly used for managing pain, inflammation, and fever in veterinary medicine but require careful monitoring due to potential side effects such as gastrointestinal ulceration, renal dysfunction, and liver toxicity. This test targets a comprehensive list of NSAIDs, including acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, carprofen, celecoxib, deracoxib, diclofenac, diflunisal, eltenac, ethacrynic acid, etodolac, fenbufen, fenoprofen, firocoxib, flufenamic acid, flunixin, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indomethacin, indoprofen, ketoprofen, ketorolac, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, meloxicam, nabumetone, naproxen, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone, piroxicam, salicylic acid, tenoxicam, tolfenamic acid, and tolmetin. The LC/MS method offers high sensitivity and specificity, enabling precise detection of these drugs even at low concentrations. This test is particularly valuable for assessing therapeutic compliance, detecting unauthorized drug use, and investigating potential toxicity in companion animals and performance animals.
Test name
Drug Screen – NSAIDs (LC/MS)
Test Code
8009
Section
Analytical Chemistry
Species
Canine and Feline
Specimen
5 ml Serum
Collection Guidelines
- Collect an adequate amount of blood in a plain red-top tube or serum separator tube (yellow-top tube). Allow it to clot at room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before separation.
- Centrifuge to separate the serum. Transfer the clear serum into a new, leak-proof plain red-top tube and label it as “serum.”
- Excessively hemolyzed samples are not suitable for this test.
- Unspun samples will not be accepted.
- Refrigerate sample at 4oC until shipment.
Turnaround time
14-21 days
Packing Instructions
Label each sample with the animal’s name and a unique identifier, using a permanent marker or a secure adhesive label. Ensure the submittal form is completed with the animal’s information and relevant medical history.
References
- Mealey, K.L., et al. (2023). “Monitoring NSAID Use in Veterinary Medicine: LC/MS Applications.” Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation.
- Papich, M.G., et al. (2022). “Pharmacokinetics and Therapeutic Monitoring of NSAIDs in Animals.” Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice.
- Bergh, M.S., et al. (2021). “Adverse Effects of NSAIDs in Veterinary Practice: Detection and Prevention.” Journal of Small Animal Practice.
