Whole Blood

Pink top tube 6 mL (K2-EDTA)

Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.

5 mL pink top tube (adults) or TWO EDTA Microtainer^® devices (pediatric patients).

Gel separator tubes

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

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

Therapeutic range: 3 - 14 mcg/mL.

The proposed therapeutic range for seizure control is 3 - 14 μg/mL. Concentrations that exceed 15 μg/mL may contribute to adverse effects. Pharmacokinetics varies widely, particularly with co- medications and/or compromised renal function.

Hemolysis: No significant interference up to an H index of 1000 (approximate hemoglobin concentration: 1000 mg/dL).

Lipemia: No significant interference up to an L index of 1000 (approximate triglycerides concentration: 2000 mg/dL). Note there is poor correlation between turbidity and triglyceride concentration.

Icterus: No significant interference up to an I index of 70 (approximate conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin concentration: 70 mg/dL).

Enzyme Immunoassay

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection.
Separate plasma into screw-capped plastic vial.
Do not send primary tube if all plasma has been transferred to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.

Refrigerate.

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