Clonazepam and 7-Aminoclonazepam, Serum
Use
This test is useful for assessing patient compliance, monitoring for appropriate therapeutic levels, and assessing clonazepam toxicity. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine that can be used alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of certain seizures, panic disorders, and restless legs syndrome. It enhances GABA activity in the central nervous system and suppresses spike and wave discharges in seizures. Monitoring its level in the blood helps ensure therapeutic effectiveness and safety.
Special Instructions
The test is not orderable at the moment due to analytic issues and will be unavailable for more than 30 days starting December 14, 2023. As an alternative, order test FCLMS. Specimens need to be collected at trough levels, immediately before the next scheduled dose. Specimens must be centrifuged and serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Limitations
The therapeutic ranges for clonazepam are for specimens collected at trough levels. Levels may be elevated if specimens are not collected at the recommended time. Some individuals may show therapeutic response outside the indicated ranges or may display toxicity within these ranges, hence clinical evaluation is crucial for result interpretation. Specimens obtained from gel tubes must be removed from the gel within 2 hours to avoid unacceptable levels of hemolysis or interference.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 104541-8
- 3494-2
- 28059-4
Result Turnaround Time
3-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1.2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Plastic vial after aliquoting from Red top tube
Collection Instructions
Draw blood immediately before next scheduled dose (minimum 12 hours after last dose). Within 2 hours of collection, the specimen must be centrifuged and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross icterus is unacceptable.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |