Clonazepam
Also known as: CLON
Use
This test is used to optimize dosing and monitor patient adherence for individuals prescribed Clonazepam. Monitoring the drug level is essential because it helps in assessing the therapeutic range, which is 20-70 ng/mL. It also assists in identifying toxic levels, which are greater than 80 ng/mL. Clonazepam is typically prescribed in doses ranging from 1-8 mg/d in adults. The test provides vital information on patient compliance and assists in adjusting dosages to minimize adverse effects such as drowsiness, headache, fatigue, and ataxia.
Special Instructions
The timing of specimen collection is crucial: a predose (trough) draw at steady state concentration is recommended. After collection, it is vital to separate serum or plasma from cells as soon as possible, ideally within 2 hours, and transfer it to an ARUP standard transport tube. Avoid using gel separator tubes and ensure the sample is not hemolyzed.
Limitations
This test has specific limitations, such as requirements for storage and specimen type to ensure accuracy. Specimens collected in gel separator tubes or light blue (sodium citrate) are unacceptable, as are hemolyzed samples. It is also important to note that the test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA but is developed under CLIA certification for clinical purposes. Repeated freeze/thaw cycles should be avoided, and stability varies with storage conditions: ambient (1 week), refrigerated (2 weeks), and frozen (3 years).
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3494-2
Result Turnaround Time
1-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Container
ARUP standard transport tube
Collection Instructions
Collect using gray (potassium oxalate/sodium fluoride) tube. Also acceptable are plain red, green (sodium heparin), lavender (K2 or K3EDTA), or pink (K2EDTA) tubes.
Patient Preparation
Draw predose (trough) at steady-state concentration.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate after specimen preparation.
Causes for Rejection
Use of gel separator tubes, light blue (sodium citrate) plasma or whole blood, and hemolyzed specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 week |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 3 years |