Test Details

• Discipline:

  Biochemistry

  Biochemistry

• Specimen Container Adult:

  Serum (SST or plain tube)

  Serum (SST or plain tube)

• Specimen Container Paediatric:

  Serum (SST or plain tube)

  Serum (SST or plain tube)

• Minimum Volume Adult:

  1 mL blood

  1 mL blood

• Minimum Volume Paediatric:

  0.5 mL blood

  0.5 mL blood

• Special Requirement:

  Trough sample recommended as this is a better guide to therapy.

  Trough sample recommended as this is a better guide to therapy.

• Sample Stability:

  Unseparated sample: 2 days
  Separated sample: 5 days at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-4°C, 4 weeks at -20°C

  Unseparated sample: 2 days
  Separated sample: 5 days at 15-25°C, 7 days at 2-4°C, 4 weeks at -20°C

• Interpretation:

  1. CBZ induces its own metabolism
  2. Metabolism is induced by phenobarbitone and phenytoin
  3. Metabolism is inhibited by valproate and lamotrigine
  Toxicity:
  1. Dose limiting side effects include b...

  1. CBZ induces its own metabolism
  2. Metabolism is induced by phenobarbitone and phenytoin
  3. Metabolism is inhibited by valproate and lamotrigine
  Toxicity:
  1. Dose limiting side effects include blurred vision, dizziness and ataxia
  2. Erythematous rash in 5% patients
  3. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis may develop
  Monitoring therapy:
  1. Typical target range is 4 – 12 mg/L
  2. The breakdown epoxide metabolite is pharmacologically active
  3. Trough concentration is a better guide to therapy than dose

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• Reference Ranges:

  Therapeutic range: 4 - 12 mg/L

  Therapeutic range: 4 - 12 mg/L

• Other Info:

  Lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable

  Lithium heparin plasma sample also acceptable

• Routine Contact Name:

  Duty Biochemist

• Routine Telephone:

  Freeman: 0191 244 8889
  RVI: 0191 282 9719

  Freeman: 0191 244 8889
  RVI: 0191 282 9719

• Routine Email:

  nuth.dutybiochemist@nhs.net