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Carbamazepine Total

Tegretol, Carbamazepine Level, Serum

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB21, Beaker: CARBA, Antrim: 17151

Department

Chemistry

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One plain Red-top tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 1.0 mL)

Do not use Serum Separator Tubes.
Time of Collection: Trough, just prior to next dose.
Record the exact time of specimen collection on the tube or in the computer system.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimens clot 30-60 minutes and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the collection tube within two hours of collection. (Minimum: 1.0 mL blood)

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Collection tube, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 1.0 mL blood)

Rejection Criteria

• Serum Separator (SST) tubes.
• Severely lipemic or hemolyzed specimens.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimens clot 30-60 minutes. Centrifuge specimen to separate serum from cells. Deliver an aliquot of serum or the collection tube immediately to the appropriate testing station.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Collection Tubes
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 3 months

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory
Royal Oak Chemistry Laboratory
Taylor Chemistry Laboratory
Wayne Chemistry Laboratory

Performed

Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
STAT results available within 1 hour of receipt in the Laboratory.
Routine results available within 24 hours.

Reference Range

Therapeutic Range: 6-12 mcg/mL.
Critical Range: Greater than 15 mcg/mL.

Test Methodology

Particle Enhanced Turbidimetric Inhibition Immunoassay.

Interpretation

Carbamazepine is capable of inducing its own clearance. It may be necessary to increase the maintenance dose after two weeks of continuous therapy.

Clinical Utility

Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant drug used in the treatment of generalized and partial seizures. This assay aids in monitoring carbamazepine levels to ensure appropriate therapy.

CPT Codes

80156

Contacts

Last Updated

7/21/2024