Test Code LAB4046 CARBAMAZEPINE LEVEL, TOTAL
Specimen Type
Preferred Specimen: Lithium Heparin tube (Mint Green Top, Dark Green Top)
Alternative Specimen: Serum Tube (SST, Gold, Corvac, Tiger, Red Top Tube)
Collection Instructions
Draw sample just prior to next dose. Note times of dose and drawing.
Specimen Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Turnaround Time
STAT: 1 hour
Routine: 4 hours
Test Schedule
Daily
Sample Stability
Room Temperature: 2 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 month
Method
Photometric
Reference Ranges
Carbamazepine µg/mL
Therapeutic 4.0 - 12.0
Toxic > 13.0
*Toxicity can also be seen at lower levels with combined therapy.
Synonyms
Tegretol
Test Components
Carbamazepine, µg/mL.
LOINC Code
3432-2
IMO Code
IMO-PROC-30998370
CPT Codes
80156
Test Limitations
Studies have shown that therapeutic drug levels may be altered in serum/plasma that remains in contact with separator gel. Therapeutic drug levels collected in an SST or PST should be run within 24 hrs of collection.