Sinemet, Serum
Use
Sinemet, composed of levodopa and carbidopa, is critical in the management of Parkinson's disease and other conditions that respond to dopamine replacement. Levodopa serves as a precursor to dopamine, while carbidopa inhibits the peripheral metabolism of levodopa, enhancing central nervous system availability and reducing side effects. This test is pivotal for optimizing dosing and monitoring therapeutic levels of these compounds in patients.
Special Instructions
Must submit one specimen per order; specimens cannot be shared between multiple orders. The serum must be drawn using a red-top tube; a serum gel tube is not acceptable. Serum must be frozen immediately after centrifugation to ensure result accuracy.
Limitations
The analysis is contingent on immediate freezing of the serum sample due to rapid degradation of carbidopa. Specimens not handled correctly, particularly those not frozen immediately, may yield compromised results. Additionally, reporting limits are determined individually for each analysis, necessitating precise specimen collection and handling to achieve valid results.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 9385-6
- 9328-6
Result Turnaround Time
12-14 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
Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s). Serum gel tube is not acceptable. Centrifuge and send 1 mL of serum frozen in a preservative-free plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Polymer gel separation tube (SST or PST)
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Frozen | 6 days |