Propafenone, Serum
Use
This test is essential for monitoring propafenone therapy and assessing potential toxicity in patients. Propafenone is a class 1C cardiac antiarrhythmic used to treat various types of arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular premature contractions. Monitoring serum levels helps ensure therapeutic efficacy while avoiding toxic concentrations, which can lead to adverse effects in the central nervous system, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.
Special Instructions
Specimens should only be collected after the patient has been receiving propafenone for a minimum of 3 days to ensure accurate trough levels are measured. Blood should be drawn immediately before the next scheduled dose. Use a red top collection tube, and serum gel/SST tubes are not acceptable. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Limitations
The test may show assay interference if the specimen is obtained from gel tubes or if there is improper specimen handling. It is crucial to collect trough concentrations just before the administration of the next dose to avoid misleading results. Additionally, specimens from gel tubes or anticoagulated collections can interfere with the assay's accuracy.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 6905-4
- 6905-4
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Draw blood immediately before next scheduled dose. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
Specimens should only be collected after the patient has been receiving propafenone for at least 3 days. Trough concentrations should be collected just before administration of the next dose.
Causes for Rejection
Specimens from serum gel/SST tubes
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 28 days |
| Refrigerated | 28 days (preferred) |
| Frozen | 28 days |