ACETAMINOPHEN

Test Code

LAB43

Alias/See Also

Tylenol, APAP, Datril, Excedrin, Tempura

CPT Codes
82003

Preferred Specimen

7mL red top tube

Minimum Volume

2.0 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Methodology
Homogeneous Enzyme Immunoassay

Setup Schedule

Set Up:Daily

Report Available

STAT: 1 hr
Routine: 4 hr

Reference Range

Therapeutic <= 20 mg/dL
Toxic > 150 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

Acetaminophen is one of several popular non-prescription pain relievers available to the public. It has analgesic and antipyretic effects like aspirin, but little of aspirin's anti-inflammatory properties. Serum levels are not typically monitored during therapeutic dosing (650-1000 mg), but because the drug is sold alone or in combination with other compounds in over two hundred products, acetaminophen is frequently seen in overdose cases. Proper management of acetaminophen overdose requires early monitoring of the patient's serum levels, because toxic drug levels can cause hepatic necrosis, which is not clinically evident until twelve or more hours after ingestion; moreover, antidotes are available that can prevent liver damage, if they are administered early.

Performing Laboratory
GBMC Chemistry

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.