Pentobarbital [700X]

Test Code

9852

CPT Codes
80299

Preferred Specimen

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

Patient Preparation
Collect just prior to next dose

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in: EDTA (lavender-top), fluoride oxalate (gray-top), sodium or lithium heparin (green-top), EDTA (royal blue-top), or sodium heparin lead-free (tan-op) tube

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Not established

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

Serum separator tube (SST) • Any other tube with additives

Methodology
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: 3 days

Limitations

Drugs can be detected in the urine for 24 - 72 hours after ingestion and longer lasting drugs may be present 7 or more days after ingestion.

Reference Range

1.0-5.0 mg/L

Clinical Significance

Used as a hypnotic, sedative and anesthetic. Readily absorbed from stomach. Duration of action, in therapeutic doses, is approximately 3-6 hours (short acting Barb). Barbiturates may enhance other CNS depressants, such as ethanol, opiates, tranquilizers, resperine, etc.

Pentobarbital is given IV to reduce intracranial pressure and lower cerebral oxygen demand in patients with severe head trauma, Reye's syndrome, or anoxic brain damage. Pentobarbital use in this case requires a much higher therapeutic drug concentration.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute

14225 Newbrook Drive

Chantilly, VA 20153

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.