305 CAFFEINE, SERUM

Test Code

CAFFEIN

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum collected in a red-top tube (no gel)

Patient Preparation
Collect as a trough just prior to next dose

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Transport Container

Plastic screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Serum Separator Tube (SST®)

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 1-2 days

Clinical Significance

Coffee, tea and other beverages may contain caffeine. Caffeine is a methylxanthine found in over the counter products and in prescription medications. Small premature infants with mild respiratory distress shortly after birth may be treated with theophylline or caffeine. In neonates, a significant amount of theophylline is converted to caffeine. Since the demethylation pathway of theophylline is relatively undeveloped, caffeine levels may be elevated. Caffeine clearance rates typically reach adult values at about 3-4 months of age.

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.