Test Code CZPS Clonazepam and 7-Aminoclonazepam, Serum
Test Down Notes
Effective December 14, 2023: This test is temporarily unavailable due to analytic issues. The downtime is expected to be >30 days. Order FCLMS as an alternate. See test notification here.
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Specimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1.2 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Draw blood immediately before next scheduled dose (minimum 12 hours after last dose).
2. Within 2 hours of collection, the specimen must be centrifuged and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
Frozen | 28 days | |
Ambient | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | Reject |
Clinical Information
Clonazepam (5 [2-chlorophenyl]-2, 3-dihydro-7-nitro-1, 4-benzodiazepin-2-one), a benzodiazepine is useful alone or as an adjunct in the treatment of certain seizures. In addition, it may be useful in patients with panic disorder and restless legs syndrome.
Clonazepam has no definite antiseizure and antipanic mechanism of action, although it is believed to be related to its capacity to enhance gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity, which is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It is able to suppress the spike and wave discharges in absence seizures and decreases the frequency, duration, amplitude, and spread of discharge in minor motor seizures.
Clonazepam is highly protein bound (approximately 85%). It is extensively metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450, family 3, subfamily A (CYP3A) to inactive metabolites and has a half-life of 30 to 40 hours.
Reference Values
Clonazepam
Anticonvulsant: 20-70 ng/mL
Anxiolytic: 4-80 ng/mL
Some individuals may show therapeutic response outside of these ranges or may display toxicity within the therapeutic range, thus interpretation should include clinical evaluation.
Note: Therapeutic ranges are for specimens collected at trough (ie, immediately before next scheduled dose). Levels may be elevated in non-trough specimens.
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday
Report Available
3 to 7 daysPerforming Laboratory

CPT Code Information
80299
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Therapeutics Test Request (T831)