Carbamazepine Serum Concentration (Pharmacokinetic Monitoring)
This test measures the amount of carbamazepine, a medication used to treat certain types of seizures or nerve pain, in your blood serum. It helps doctors determine if your dose is working effectively and adjust it as needed.
["Your carbamazepine dose may need to be changed based on this test result to prevent side effects or ensure proper treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 29147-6
- Short code
- CARB10E
- Synonyms
- Carbamazepine EP Bnd SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum collection tube or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 50
- Critical range
- — – 15 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- CPT
- 80299
- SNOMED
- 395886003
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 150
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–96 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors order this test when you’re taking carbamazepine to monitor your blood levels. It helps ensure the medication is at an effective concentration without causing harmful side effects, especially important if you have epilepsy, nerve pain, or bipolar disorder.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. If you’re on blood thinners, let your doctor know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Results show your carbamazepine concentration in your blood. While exact ranges vary by doctor, lower-than-expected levels may mean your dose isn’t strong enough, while very high levels could signal toxicity. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your symptoms and treatment plan.
Common Side Effects to Watch For
Carbamazepine can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or stomach upset. If you experience severe symptoms such as rash, trouble breathing, or irregular heartbeat, seek medical attention immediately.
Reference range
Reference values vary by laboratory methodology; therapeutic monitoring of carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide is generally performed in conjunction with parent carbamazepine levels. The active metabolite is typically present at 10-50% of parent drug concentration.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Trough levels are typically drawn just before the next scheduled dose. Document time of last dose and current dosing regimen.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Carbamazepine Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes carbamazepine levels to be too low or too high?
How often should this test be done?
Can diet or other medications affect this test result?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy