Primidone and Phenobarbital, Serum
Use
This test is useful for assessing compliance and monitoring for appropriate therapeutic levels of primidone and phenobarbital in patients. It is important for evaluating potential toxicity due to the accumulation of phenobarbital, a metabolite of primidone. Monitoring these drug levels can help optimize treatment of grand mal seizures and other types of seizures that do not respond to other antiepileptic drugs.
Special Instructions
Blood levels for primidone should be measured just before the next dose is administered to ensure accurate monitoring.
Limitations
The test may have limitations in the presence of interfering substances or improper specimen collection and handling. As phenobarbital is a metabolite of primidone, it is essential to monitor phenobarbital levels concurrently. The test may not detect all potential interactions with other drugs, as primidone is not highly protein-bound.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (ELISA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 10547-8
- 3948-7
- 3978-4
Result Turnaround Time
0-1 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Preferred: Serum gel; Acceptable: Red top
Collection Instructions
Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within the same timeframe.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |