Levetiracetam, Serum
Use
This test is used to monitor serum concentration of levetiracetam, particularly in patients with kidney disease. It is also used to assess compliance with levetiracetam therapy and for assessing potential toxicity of levetiracetam. Levetiracetam is used to treat partial, myoclonic, and tonic-clonic seizures. It has favorable pharmacokinetics with good bioavailability, minimal hepatic metabolism, and is excreted renally. Monitoring is essential for dose adjustment in kidney dysfunction and to ensure therapeutic levels are maintained.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete and send one of the following forms with the specimen: Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request, General Request, or Therapeutics Test Request.
Limitations
This test cannot be performed on whole blood. Toxic levels have not been well established, and therapeutic ranges are based on specimen collected at trough. Interpretation should include clinical evaluation as some individuals may respond well outside the expected therapeutic range.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 30471-7
- 30471-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Draw blood immediately before next scheduled dose. For sustained-release formulations only, draw blood a minimum of 12 hours after last dose. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge, and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
None specified due to gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, or gross icterus.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |