Phenobarbital Level

Test Code

PHENOBARB - NCMC

CPT Codes
80184

Preferred Specimen

In-patient: 1 mL plasma from Green top (Lithium Heparin)
Out-patient: 1 mL serum from SST

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL
Note: For neonate requirements see Neonate Minimum Blood Volumes

Other Acceptable Specimens

1.0 mL serum from Serum Gel or Red Top

Instructions

Draw immediately prior to next dose.

Specimen Stability

Specimen Type	Temperature	Time
Plasma Li Hep	Refrigerated	7 days
Serum SST	Refrigerated	7 days
Red Top – Separated*	Refrigerated	7 days

*Centrifuge and aliquot into a plastic vial.

Methodology
Bichromatic Turbidimetric Rate - Particle Enhanced Turbidimetric Inhibition Immunassay (PETENIA)

Setup Schedule

Monday through Sunday; Continuously

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

Therapeutic concentration: 10.0-30.0 µg/L
Critical value (automatic call-back): >59.9 µg/L

Clinical Significance

Phenobarbital is one of the most commonly used drugs for the treatment of grand mal, psychomotor epilepsy, and other forms of focal epilepsy. Monitoring of the serum level of the drug is essential in order to achieve maximal seizure control while maintaining minimal blood levels to avoid negative side effects. As with other anti-convulsant drugs, it is imperative that each patient’s dosage be individualized.

Performing Laboratory
North Colorado Medical Center Laboratory

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.