Test Code TEMZS Temazepam and Oxazepam, Serum
Specimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (Serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Useful For
Assessing compliance
Monitoring for appropriate therapeutic level
Assessing temazepam toxicity
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Temazepam and Oxazepam, SSpecimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
Ambient | 28 days | |
Frozen | 28 days |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Clinical Information
Temazepam is US Food and Drug Administration-approved to treat insomnia (trouble with sleeping). It is typically taken short-term (approximately 7-10 days). It is a benzodiazepine, which are a class of medicines that are central nervous system depressants and slow down the nervous system. It is extensively metabolized via conjugation and N-demethylation to oxazepam. Its elimination half-life ranges from 3.5 to 18.4 hours.
Reference Values
Therapeutic concentrations
Temazepam: 600-1100 ng/mL at 1 hour
Cutoff concentrations by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry:
Temazepam: 10 ng/mL
Oxazepam: 10 ng/mL
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday
Report Available
3 to 7 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
80299