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Acetohexamidespecmcnc

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

This test measures the amount of acetohexamide, a diabetes medication, in your blood to ensure proper dosing and therapeutic effectiveness.

Quick summary

{"Acetohexamide is an oral diabetes medication that helps control blood sugar levels","The test checks if the drug level in your blood is within the therapeutic range","Regular monitoring helps prevent both underdosing and overdosing","Blood sample is typically collected before taking the morning dose","Results help your doctor adjust your medication dosage if needed"}

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
6943-5
Short code
ACETOH
Synonyms
acetoHEXAMIDE Spec-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
Units
N/A
Ref low
20
Ref high
60
Critical range
— – 100 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 18 years
Method
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
CPT
80299
SNOMED
385058006
Specimen volume
1-2 mL serum
Stability
Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
Hemolysis max
50
Lipemia max
300
Icterus max
20
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The acetohexamide blood test measures the concentration of acetohexamide in your serum. Acetohexamide is a sulfonylurea-type oral hypoglycemic medication used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It works by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin and helping your body respond better to insulin. This test is also known as a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) test.

Why is it performed? Healthcare providers order this test to ensure that the amount of medication in your blood is sufficient to control your diabetes (therapeutic level) but not so high that it causes dangerous side effects (toxic level). It helps doctors personalize your dosage for optimal diabetes management.

Reference range

Therapeutic range: 20-60 mcg/mL (therapeutic trough level); Supratherapeutic: >80 mcg/mL; Subtherapeutic: <15 mcg/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

Collect as trough level immediately before next dose. Maintain consistent timing with dose administration. Inform laboratory of last dose time and amount.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Therapeutic monitoring of acetohexamide is important for several reasons. First, individual patients respond differently to the same dose due to variations in metabolism, age, kidney function, and other factors. Second, maintaining appropriate drug levels helps achieve better glycemic control while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). Third, the test can help assess patient compliance with medication regimens. Therapeutic blood concentrations typically range from 21-56 mcg/mL, though reference ranges may vary by laboratory.

Abnormally low levels may indicate poor medication adherence, improper dosing, or rapid drug metabolism. Abnormally high levels may suggest overdose, decreased drug clearance (especially in patients with kidney or liver impairment), or drug interactions that affect metabolism. Both situations require dose adjustment under medical supervision.

Frequently asked questions

How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test usually requires a serum sample, and you may be asked to have your blood drawn just before taking your morning dose to get an accurate trough level.
Do I need to fast before the test?
Your doctor will provide specific instructions. Typically, you may be asked to fast overnight (8-12 hours) before the test. It's important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully to ensure accurate results.
What are the side effects of acetohexamide?
Common side effects include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), weight gain, nausea, upset stomach, and skin reactions. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, dizziness, sweating, confusion, and hunger. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe or persistent symptoms.
How often do I need this test?
The frequency of testing depends on your individual situation. Your doctor may order this test when starting therapy, when changing dosages, if you have kidney or liver problems, or if you experience symptoms of either inadequate diabetes control or medication overdose.
What should I tell my doctor before the test?
Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as they may interact with acetohexamide. Also mention any recent changes in your health conditions, especially kidney or liver problems, as these can affect drug metabolism and interpretation of results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus - AcetohexamideSource
  2. 2
    Mayo Clinic Laboratories - Therapeutic Drug MonitoringSource
  3. 3
    LOINC Code 6943-5Source

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.

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