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Understanding This Medical Test: Purpose, Procedure, and How to Interpret Your Results

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test detects whether your body has developed antibodies against neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) caused by the medication amiodarone.

Quick summary

{"This test checks for immune reaction to amiodarone affecting white blood cells","It helps diagnose if amiodarone is causing low neutrophil count","Results are reported as Positive or Negative","A positive result suggests amiodarone may be affecting your white blood cells","Your doctor will discuss treatment options if the test is positive"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
73068-9
Short code
Amiodarone (neut) IgG SerPl Ql FC
Synonyms
Amiodarone (neut) IgG SerPl Ql FC
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
flow-cytometry
CPT
82784
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test, and what is it designed to measure or evaluate in my body, including which substances, cells, or markers it checks?

This test looks for special antibodies called IgG antibodies that your immune system may produce in response to amiodarone. These antibodies can target your neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections). The test uses a laboratory method called flow cytometry to detect whether these antibodies are present in your blood.

Why might my healthcare provider order this test, and which symptoms, conditions, or routine health checks is it used to diagnose, screen for, or monitor?

Your doctor may order this test if you are taking amiodarone (a heart medication) and have developed a low neutrophil count (neutropenia). Neutrophils are important for fighting bacterial infections. This test helps determine if amiodarone is the cause of your low neutrophil count by checking if your body has developed antibodies against your own neutrophils due to the medication.

How is the test performed from start to finish, including any preparation steps I need to take, what happens during the procedure, and how long it usually lasts?

A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood will be sent to a laboratory where flow cytometry is used to detect the presence of amiodarone-induced neutrophil antibodies. This test requires a serum or plasma sample.

What do the results of this test mean for my health, how are normal and abnormal values interpreted, and what follow-up steps might be needed based on my numbers?

The result is typically reported as either Positive or Negative. A Positive result means that amiodarone-induced neutrophil IgG antibodies were detected in your blood, suggesting that amiodarone may be causing your low neutrophil count through an immune mechanism. A Negative result means no such antibodies were detected, and other causes for your low neutrophil count should be investigated.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

This test is clinically significant for patients taking amiodarone who develop neutropenia (low neutrophil count). A positive result confirms an immune-mediated mechanism, which may require discontinuation of amiodarone and consideration of alternative treatments. This helps guide clinical management and prevents potentially serious infections that can occur with severe neutropenia.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to fast before this test?
No, fasting is not typically required for this test. You can eat and drink normally before the blood draw unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
Are there any risks from this test?
The only risk is minor discomfort or bruising at the blood draw site. This is generally a safe procedure with minimal risks.
What happens if my test is positive?
If the test is positive, your doctor will likely recommend stopping amiodarone and may prescribe an alternative heart medication. They will also monitor your neutrophil count closely as it recovers.
Can this test be done while I'm still taking amiodarone?
Yes, the test is specifically designed to detect antibodies induced by amiodarone, so it is typically performed while you are still taking the medication. However, your doctor will guide you on the best timing.
  1. 1
    LOINC Code ReferenceSource
  2. 2
    Drug-Induced Neutropenia - StatPearlsSource

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy