Carbamazepine concentration (serum/plasma)
This test measures the amount of carbamazepine, a medication used to treat certain types of seizures or nerve pain, in your blood.
["Your doctor may check this level to ensure you’re taking the right dose and to avoid side effects."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 96277-9
- Short code
- CARBAMIGE
- Synonyms
- carBAMazepine IgE Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.1
- Ref high
- 0.35
- Critical range
- — – 15 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (e.g., FEIA/Fluorescence Enzyme Immunoassay or CLIA/Chemiluminescent Immunoassay)
- CPT
- 86003
- SNOMED
- 39579005
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Stable at room temperature for 8 hours; refrigerated (2-8°C) for 7 days; frozen (-20°C) for up to 30 days; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Carbamazepine helps control seizures or nerve-related symptoms, but too much or too little can cause problems. This test helps doctors monitor your dose and adjust it safely.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. If you’re on this medication, your doctor may suggest timing the test around when you take your dose.
How the Test Works
A lab technician uses a sensitive test to measure carbamazepine in your blood. The result tells your doctor how much of the drug is in your system at that time.
Possible Results and Next Steps
Your doctor will compare your result to what’s typical for your dose and health. If levels are too high or too low, they may change your medication or monitor you more closely.
Reference range
Negative: <0.10 kU/L; Equivocal/Borderline: 0.10-0.35 kU/L; Positive: >0.35 kU/L (Class 1-6 classification may apply per assay)N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should inform provider of all current medications including antihistamines, though discontinuation is generally not required for IgE testing
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Carbamazepine levels can affect how well it works or cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or skin rashes. Low levels might mean your dose isn’t strong enough, while high levels could signal toxicity.
Short name
Carbamazepine Level
Frequently asked questions
When might I need this test?
What does a ‘normal’ result mean?
Can I eat or drink before the test?
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