Pregabalin, Serum
Use
Pregabalin, known as Lyrica, is an anticonvulsant drug used to treat partial seizures in patients and is a more potent successor to gabapentin. It is commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. The test is useful for monitoring serum pregabalin concentrations, assessing compliance, and adjusting dosage in patients, particularly those with kidney failure who may require lower dosages. It helps in evaluating therapeutic and potentially toxic levels, although exact therapeutic and toxic ranges are not well-defined. The test results should be interpreted in the context of the patient's clinical response and other clinical tests to provide useful information for patients showing poor response, noncompliance, or adverse effects. Toxicity might occur at concentrations above 10 mcg/mL.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
The test cannot be performed on whole blood. Therapeutic and toxic concentrations are not well defined; however, therapeutic ranges are reportedly 2 to 5 mcg/mL, and toxicity may occur above 10 mcg/mL. Proper specimen collection and handling are crucial to avoid diagnostic confusion. The test's performance characteristics were determined consistent with CLIA requirements but have not been cleared or approved by the FDA.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 47414-8 - Pregabalin SerPl-mCnc
- 47414-8 - Pregabalin SerPl-mCnc
Result Turnaround Time
2-7 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
Collect specimen immediately before next scheduled dose. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, OK; Gross lipemia, OK; Gross icterus, OK.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |