Sotalol (Betapace)
Use
Sotalol (Betapace) is a medication used in the management of certain types of fast heart rates, such as atrial or ventricular arrhythmias. Measuring the level of sotalol in a patient's blood can help optimize the dose to ensure therapeutic effectiveness while avoiding toxicity. The reference range is set between 500 - 4000 ng/mL, which reflects concentrations needed to achieve beta-blockade. Since no toxic range has been established, clinical correlation with the measured levels is necessary.
Special Instructions
This test requires a specific collection method for either plasma or serum. Plasma must be collected in a sodium heparin green-top tube, and serum in a plain red-top tube. It is important to refrigerate the sample to maintain its stability. Ensure that the samples are transported to the laboratory within the stated stability time frames to ensure test accuracy.
Limitations
Hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus conditions of the specimen do not lead to automatic rejection, but other conditions not specified may cause rejection. Variations in sample collection, handling, and transportation can affect the test results. The method applied, High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection (HPLC-FL), is specific to Mayo Clinic Laboratories' validation standards.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-FL)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 12416-4
- 12416-4
Result Turnaround Time
5-9 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in a green-top (sodium heparin) tube, spin down and send refrigerated.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate specimen within stability time frames.
Causes for Rejection
NA for hemolysis, lipemia, icterus; others not specified.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 180 days |