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HelpEpic Test Code LAB21 Carbamazepine, Total
Performing Location(s)
BMC
Synonyms
Tegretol, Carbatrol
Specimen Type
Serum
Preferred Container
Red top tube
Blood Tube Draw Volume
Min 50% draw volume
Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing
0.5 mL Serum
- Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.
Storage Requirements
Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hour of collection followed by transfer of the serum to a labeled plastic, aliquot tube.
See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.
Transportation Needs
Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements".
Causes for Rejection
Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
Anything other than a red top tube
>1 month refrigerated (Serum tubes are routinely stored at the lab for only 7 days therefore, an add-on may not be possible after 7 days.)
>24 hours room temperature
> 3 months Frozen
Hemolysis > 800 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 750 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 30 mg/dL Bili
Limitations
Icteric samples may cause falsely elevated values
Reference Values
| Population | Units | Therapeutic Range | High Critical Value |
| All populations | ug/mL | 4.0 - 12.0 | > 15.0 |
Days of Analysis
All
Available STAT
Yes
Includes
Quantitative analysis for Carbamazepine
Additional Information
Additional Information:
Carbamazepine – 10,11 – epoxide, a metabolite of carbamazepine, has anticonvulsant activity similar to that of the parent drug. This metabolite is measured by this method.
Toxic effects may occur with apparently therapeutic levels if given with phenytoin or barbiturates. Carbamazepine can rarely produce serious side effects which may not be dose related.
Collection Guideline:
Collect after steady state conditions are reached, i.e. after 4-5 half-lives on unchanged dose regimen Collect samples following oral dosing immediately prior to next dose for drugs with short half lives. For drugs with long half-lives, ≥24 hours, draw time is less critical.
Obtain samples following IV dosing of phenytoin at 1-4 hours post dose.
After administration of fosphenytoin, collect specimens 2 hours post IV or 4 hours post IM dose.
Collect within 6 hours after a seizure in previously controlled patient.
Methodology
Beckman AU/Dx Series
CPT Code
80156
Last Updated
19-DEC-24 MS