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Test Code Crbm Carbamazepine Level

Aliases

Tegretol Level

Useful For

Anticonvulsant drug

Patient Preparation

No special patient preparation required

Special Collection Instructions

When checking carbamazepine levels in a patient on a regular medication regimen, the specimen should be drawn immediately prior to the next dose (trough).

Collection Method

Venous collection

Minimum Volume

  • Adults: 1 mL
  • Pediatric: 0.8 mL

Container

Lt Green / Plasma Separator / Lithium Heparin

Preferred Specimen

Light Green Top (lithium heparin) plasma

Acceptable Specimens

Serum:

  • Gold Top SST

  • Red Top

Plasma:
  • Light Geen Top (lithium heparin)
  • Purple or Pink top (K2/K3 EDTA)
  • Dark Green Top (sodium heparin)

Reference or Target Ranges

Peak: 4 – 12ug/mL
(Lower concentrations may provide effective therapeutic response in use with other anticonvulsants)

Reportable Units

ug/mL

Critical Value

>12 ug/mL

Reasons for Rejection



<!-- Rejection-->
Hemolysis Threshold
 1000 mg/dL
Icterus Threshold
 50 mg/dL
Lipemia Threshold
 2000 mL
Other
 QNS, contaminated, improperly Labeled, improper specimen type

Specimen Stability



<!-- Stability -->
Ambient
 2 days
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C)
 7 days
Frozen(-40°C to 0°C)
 4 weeks

Performance Information



<!-- Performance information -->
Days and Time Performed
 24/7
Expected Turn Around Time
 Stat: 1 hour
Routine: 4 hours
Stat Availability
 Yes
Performing Bench
 UH Chemistry
Methodology/Method Description
 Roche Cobas – Two site immunoenzymatic sandwich assay

CPT Codes

80156