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Acepromazineserplmcnc

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 15, 2026

This test measures the amount of acepromazine, a tranquilizer medication, in your blood to ensure proper dosing or check for appropriate levels.

Quick summary

{"Acepromazine is a medication used to calm or sedate patients before procedures","This test measures the drug level in your blood serum or plasma","It helps doctors ensure the drug level is within the therapeutic range","The test may be used to monitor for toxicity or verify compliance with treatment","Blood is drawn from a vein and sent to a laboratory for analysis"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 15, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
3296-1
Short code
ACEP
Synonyms
Acepromazine SerPl-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
50
Ref high
150
Critical range
— – 250 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 18 years
Method
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
CPT
80307
SNOMED
414589004
Specimen volume
1.0 mL minimum (2.0 mL preferred)
Stability
Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
100
Icterus max
20
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Acepromazine test measures the concentration of acepromazine in your blood. Acepromazine is a phenothiazine-class medication that works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain to produce a calming or sedative effect. It is commonly used as a pre-medication before surgery or to manage anxiety and agitation in patients.

Why might I need this test?

Your healthcare provider may order this test for several reasons: to ensure you are receiving the correct dose of the medication, to monitor drug levels during long-term treatment, to check for signs of drug toxicity, or to verify that the medication is being taken as prescribed. The test helps doctors balance the medication's benefits with potential side effects.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample will be placed in a special tube and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test measures the mass-to-volume ratio of acepromazine in your serum or plasma. You do not need to fast or make any special preparations before this test, unless your doctor instructs otherwise.

What do the results mean?

Your test results will show the concentration of acepromazine in your blood. Therapeutic levels vary depending on the reason for treatment and individual factors. Your doctor will interpret your results considering your medical history, current symptoms, and other medications you may be taking. Too little medication may not provide adequate effect, while too much may lead to side effects or toxicity.

Reference range

Therapeutic range: 50-150 ng/mL. Toxicity may be observed at levels >200 ng/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

Collect trough specimen immediately before next dose. Inform laboratory of collection time and last dose administration time. Avoid hemolysis. Keep specimen protected from light.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available within a few days, depending on the laboratory. Your healthcare provider will contact you with the results or discuss them at your next appointment.
Are there any risks from the blood test?
The risks are minimal and include slight bruising, bleeding, or soreness at the needle site. These typically resolve quickly.
Do I need to stop my medication before the test?
Do not stop or change your medication without first consulting your doctor. Taking the medication as prescribed is important for accurate test results.
What happens if my levels are too high or too low?
If levels are outside the therapeutic range, your doctor may adjust your dosage, change your medication, or order additional tests to check for underlying conditions. Never adjust your dose based on test results alone without consulting your healthcare provider.
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy