Specimen:

Plasma

Collection Medium:

Alternate
Collection Media:

Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection 
containers.

Minimum:

2 ml; light green top tube or one 0.6 ml microtubes.  (Sufficient for 
one or more anticonvulsant drugs).

Testing
Schedule:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Analytic Time:

3 hours (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

5-12 mcg/ml
Critical:  >12 mcg/ml

Comments:

Measurement of phenobarbital, a metabolite, is automatically included.

Methodology:

Enzymatic ImmunoAssay (EIA)

Sample
Processing:

Centrifuge at 3000 RPM for 10 minutes.
Aliquot plasma into labeled container and cap.

Sample
Storage:

Refrigerate.

Transport
Instructions:

Place specimen into zip-lock type bag, seal bag.
Place requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.

CPT Code:

80188

See Additional Information:
Chemistry Critical Lab Values