Abacavircsfmcnc
This test measures the amount of abacavir in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to help monitor HIV treatment effectiveness in the central nervous system.
{"Measures abacavir drug levels in cerebrospinal fluid","Helps evaluate if HIV medication is reaching the brain and nervous system","Used to optimize treatment for HIV patients","Sample is collected via lumbar puncture (spinal tap)","Results help doctors adjust medication dosages if needed"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 79134-3
- Short code
- ABAC-CSF
- Synonyms
- Abacavir CSF-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile polypropylene transport tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.1
- Ref high
- 0.4
- Critical range
- — – 2 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80199
- SNOMED
- 122465008
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 0.5 mL, preferred 1.0 mL CSF
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The CSF Abacavir test measures how much of the HIV medication abacavir is present in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the clear fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. This test helps doctors understand if the medication is effectively reaching your central nervous system.
Why is it performed?
This test is performed to: (1) Check if abacavir is penetrating the brain and nervous system effectively, (2) Ensure the drug concentration is within the therapeutic range, (3) Help doctors determine if dosage adjustments are needed, and (4) Monitor treatment effectiveness in patients with HIV affecting the central nervous system.
How is the sample collected?
The sample is collected through a procedure called lumbar puncture (spinal tap). A healthcare provider inserts a thin needle between two vertebrae in your lower back to withdraw a small amount of CSF. The procedure takes about 15-30 minutes. You may be asked to lie flat for a short time afterward to reduce the risk of headache.
Are there any risks?
Lumbar puncture is generally safe, but some patients may experience mild side effects such as headache, back pain, or temporary numbness. Serious complications are rare. Your healthcare provider will discuss the risks and benefits with you before the procedure.
Reference range
Therapeutic range: 0.1-0.4 mcg/mL (100-400 ng/mL). Reference range may vary by laboratory methodology and clinical context. Consult with infectious disease specialist for target trough levels.N/A
No fasting required. Collect specimen as trough level (immediately before next dose) unless otherwise specified by ordering physician. Inform laboratory of current dosing schedule.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test instead of a blood test?
What do the results mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy