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HelpTest Code CARTA Carbamazepine, Total, Serum
Method Name
Homogeneous Microparticle Agglutination Immunoassay
Specimen Type
Serum RedOrdering Guidance
This test measures carbamazepine only. For assessment of its active metabolite, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, which is the predominant form in children, order CARBG / Carbamazepine-10,11-Epoxide, Serum)
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 48 hours |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Clinical Information
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is used in the control of partial seizures with both temporal lobe and psychomotor symptoms as well as for generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It is also used for analgesia in trigeminal neuralgia.
Carbamazepine exhibits a volume of distribution of 1.4 L/kg with an elimination half-life of 15 hours. Protein binding averages 70%.
Carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (CBZ10-11) is an active metabolite that represents the predominant form of the drug in children. The volume of distribution of CBZ10-11 is 1.1 L/kg, and the half-life is 5 to 8 hours.
Aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis are rare side effects of treatment with carbamazepine; baseline hematologic data should be documented before treatment is initiated.
Toxicity associated with carbamazepine overdose occurs when the blood level is 15.0 mcg/mL or higher and is typified by irregular breathing, muscle irritability, and hyperreflexia; followed by hyporeflexia, tachycardia, hypotension, and impaired consciousness with coma in severe toxicity. The higher the blood level, the more severe the symptoms.
Reference Values
Therapeutic: 4.0-12.0 mcg/mL
Critical value: ≥15.0 mcg/mL
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 dayPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
80156
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request (T732)
-Therapeutics Test Request (T831)