Lab Test

Alprazolam Level

Xanax, Alprax, Niravam

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB5934, Beaker: XALPZ, Warde: ALPRZ

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One plain Red-top tube.

Do not use Serum Separator Tubes.

Time of Collection: Trough, just prior to the next dose.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Centrifuge to separate serum from cells within two hours of collection. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 1.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.2 mL)

Rejection Criteria

  • Plasma specimens.
  • Serum Separator (SST) tubes.
  • Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Centrifuge to separate serum from cells within two hours of collection. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: 1.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.2 mL) 

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 48 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 14 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Warde Medical Laboratory, Ann Arbor, MI.

Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
Results available in 2-5 days.

Reference Range

Therapeutic: 7-40 ng/mL.
Toxic: Greater than 100 ng/mL.

Test Methodology

Quantitative Liquid Chromatography / Tandem Mass Spectrometry.

Interpretation

The lowest possible effective dose should be used, as side effects increase and anti-anxiety efficiency decrease as dosage increases.

Clinical Utility

Alprazolam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorder or the short-term relief of symptoms of anxiety. This assay is used for the therapeutic monitoring and toxicity assessment of alprazolam.

CPT Codes

80346, AH G0480.

Contacts

Last Updated

10/16/2023

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