Caffeine, Serum
Use
This test is useful for monitoring caffeine therapy in neonates and assessing caffeine toxicity in neonates. Caffeine is used to treat apnea of prematurity in newborn infants, a common complication in neonatal nurseries. In neonates, caffeine has a much longer half-life than in adults due to liver immaturity, necessitating longer intervals between doses. Therapeutic monitoring helps ensure effective and safe caffeine levels are maintained.
Special Instructions
The test requires serum as a specimen type. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection, and red-top tubes should be centrifuged and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours. A therapeutic test requisition form, T831, is required if not ordering electronically.
Limitations
This assay is not intended to detect caffeine levels in adults. It is specifically designed and validated for neonatal caffeine monitoring. The assay has limitations in terms of detecting interference from endogenous serum enzymes due to its use of a bacterial enzyme for the assay process.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Other)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3422-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 28 days |