Test Code HALO Haloperidol, Serum
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Draw blood immediately before next scheduled dose.
2. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
Ambient | 28 days | |
Frozen | 28 days |
Reference Values
Haloperidol:
5-17 ng/mL
Reduced Haloperidol:
10-80 ng/mL
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday
CPT Code Information
80173
Clinical Information
Haloperidol (Haldol) is a member of the butyrophenone class of neuroleptic drugs used to treat psychotic disorders (eg, schizophrenia). It is also used to control the tics and verbal utterances associated with Tourette syndrome and in the management of children who are intensely hyperexcitable and fail to respond to other treatment modalities.
The daily recommended oral dose for patients with moderate symptoms is 0.5 to 2 mg; for patients with severe symptoms, 3 to 5 mg may be used. However, some patients will respond only at significantly higher doses.
Haloperidol is metabolized in the liver to reduced haloperidol, its major metabolite.(1,2)
Use of haloperidol is associated with significant toxic side effects, the most serious of which include tardive dyskinesia, which can be irreversible, extrapyramidal reactions with Parkinson-like symptoms, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Less serious side effects can include hypotension, anticholinergic effects (blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention), and sedation. The risk of developing serious, irreversible side effects seems to increase with increasing cumulative doses over time.(1,3)
Report Available
2 to 8 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.