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CARBAMAZEPINE
MessageSteady state achieved at 2-4 weeks
Dosage change 4-5 days
Dosage change 4-5 days
Test Code
CARB
Alias/See Also
Tegretol
CPT Codes
80156
Preferred Specimen
1 Red tube
Patient Preparation
Draw prior to next dose.
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
1 Pearl tube (gel separator)
Instructions
Centrifuge for complete separation of plasma or serum from red cells. See specimen container for appropriate sample type. Aliquot serum or plasma into transfer tube. Refrigerate until tested.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerate
Specimen Stability
2-8°C up to 30 days; Frozen up to 3 months
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis interferes
Methodology
EIA
Setup Schedule
M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Sun
Report Available
Within 24 hours of receipt at the performing laboratory.
Reference Range
4 - 12 µg/mL
Clinical Significance
Monitoring serum carbamazepine concentrations, along with careful clinical assessment, is the most effective means of improving seizure control, reducing the risk of toxicity, and minimizing the need for additional anticonvulsant medication for the following reasons:
- Serum carbamazepine concentrations correlate better with pharmacologic activity than does dosage.
- Changes in carbamazepine's half-life with prolonged treatment and interindividual differences in carbamazepine metabolism make it difficult to predict serum levels from the administered dosage, particularly during concomitant therapy with other anticonvulsants.
- Serum level monitoring helps physicians individualize dosage regimens.
- Carbamazepine is safe and effective only in a narrow range of serum concentrations.
Performed By
Alverno Laboratories
Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NCHB1 (Chemistry, Beckman AU)
Last Updated: January 17, 2024
