Buprenorphine/Suboxone
Buprenorphine is a synthetic thebaine derivative with morphine like analgesic activity as well as opiate antagonist activity. As an analgesic agent buprenorphine is eight to twenty times more potent than morphine and as an opiate antagonist it is equipotent to naltrexone.
Buprenorphine (Buprenex®) was approved as an analgesic agent by the FDA in 1985. In 2002, the FDA approved Suboxone® (buprenorphine and naloxone) and Subutex® (buprenorphine) for the treatment of opiate addiction on an outpatient basis by licensed physicians. Between 2002 and 2007, the number of prescriptions for Suboxone® and Subutex® have increased more than 100 fold.
Buprenorphine is metabolized to norbuprenorphine, an active metabolite, and their respective glucuronide conjugates. This assay is specific for buprenorphine and buprenorphine glucuronide, it does not detect norbuprenorphine or norbuprenorphine glucuronide. This assay is designed to determine patient compliance with prescribed medications. As with all drug tests, a negative buprenorphine test result is not absolute evidence of abstinence. The window of detection for buprenorphine is approximately three to fours days following the last dose.
Qualitative results (Negative/Positive) 24 hours or less from receipt at Lab.
Positive screen results should be assumed presumptive until verified by a confirmatory method.
If requested, a quantitative confirmatory test using LC/MS/MS technology is available at an additional fee from a reference laboratory.
Confirmed, qualitative results in 6 - 7 business days from confirmation test order.
For further technical information please contact either Dr. Bert Toivola or Jim Heit at STERLING Reference Laboratories 1-800-442-0438 or you can use the contact form.
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