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TEGRETOL LEVEL (CARBAMAZEPINE)
Test CodeLAB21
CPT Codes
80156
Preferred Specimen
One 6 mL red top tube
Pediatric: One red top microtainer
Pediatric: One red top microtainer
Other Acceptable Specimens
Dark green top tube
Instructions
Specify dosage history. Time drawn must be written on label. Sample must be centrifuged within two hours of collection. Serum/plasma must be removed from the red cells and put into aliquot tubes following centrifugation.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Centrifuge within two hours of collection
Ambient: 2 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 month
Ambient: 2 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 1 month
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Samples drawn in a tube with a separator gel will be rejected. The separator gel may cause falsely lower results.
Methodology
Immunoturbidimetric
Setup Schedule
Sunday-Saturday
Reference Range
Therapeutic: 4.0-12.0 ug/mL
Toxic: >=12.1 ug/mL
Toxic: >=12.1 ug/mL
Clinical Significance
Carbamazepine therapy requires ~2-5 days to reach steady-state (halflife ~ 25-65 hours, but is highly variable.
Trough levels are drawn immediately prior to the next dose. Trough levels are initially drawn 2-5 days after initiating therapy.
Consider monitoring for changes in blood counts and liver function tests. Dermatologic reactions can occur.
Trough levels are drawn immediately prior to the next dose. Trough levels are initially drawn 2-5 days after initiating therapy.
Consider monitoring for changes in blood counts and liver function tests. Dermatologic reactions can occur.
Performing Laboratory
West Virginia University Hospital, Inc.
Berkeley Medical Center Camden Clark Medical Center Princeton Community Hospital Potomac Valley Hospital Reynolds Memorial Hospital Uniontown Hospital Wetzel County Hospital Wheeling Hospital
