Lidocaine, Serum
Use
Lidocaine is commonly used as a local anesthetic, but it is also effective at controlling ventricular arrhythmia and ventricular fibrillation in children and adults. For cardiac therapy, optimal therapeutic response is seen when serum concentrations are between 1.5 and 5.0 mcg/mL. Lidocaine is protein-bound (60-80%), primarily to alpha-1-acid glycoprotein; concentrations of this protein increase after myocardial infarction, which may decrease the amount of free lidocaine and, thus, its efficacy. Toxicity occurs when the serum concentration of lidocaine is greater than 6.0 mcg/mL and is usually associated with symptoms of central nervous system excitation, light-headedness, confusion, dizziness, tinnitus, and blurred or double vision.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send one of the following forms with the specimen: Cardiovascular Test Request or Therapeutics Test Request. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Limitations
The test has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Diseases that reduce hepatic or renal function reduce clearance and prolong elimination of lidocaine, potentially affecting the concentrations detected in the test.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3714-3
- 3714-3
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
Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |