Pentobarbital, Serum
Use
Pentobarbital is a short-acting barbiturate with anticonvulsant and sedative-hypnotic properties. It is used for sedation induction, relief of preoperative anxiety, control of status epilepticus or seizures resulting from conditions such as meningitis, tetanus, alcohol withdrawal, poisons, chorea, or eclampsia, and induction of coma in the management of cerebral ischemia and increased intracranial pressure that may follow stroke or head trauma. It is administered orally, parenterally, and rectally, with a hypnotic effect lasting about 1 to 4 hours. Metabolism occurs in the liver, and excretion is primarily through the urine.
Special Instructions
Specimens must be collected in red top tubes (serum gel/SST are not acceptable) and processed within 2 hours. Specimen can be rejected due to improper collection containers. The test is performed on Thursdays, and results are typically available in 3 to 9 days.
Limitations
Specimens collected in serum gel tubes are not acceptable as the drug can absorb on the gel, leading to falsely decreased concentrations. The concentration at which toxicity occurs may vary, and results should be interpreted considering the clinical situation. Interpretation should consider tolerance that develops after continuous dosing.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3924-8
- 3924-8
Result Turnaround Time
3-9 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Draw blood immediately before the next scheduled dose. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Serum gel tubes are not acceptable due to potential absorption of the drug on the gel.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |