Carbamazepine concentration in plasma
This test measures the amount of carbamazepine, a medication used to treat certain types of seizures or nerve pain, in your blood plasma. It helps your healthcare provider monitor your dose and ensure it’s working safely.
["This test checks if your carbamazepine levels are within the right range for your treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73487-1
- Short code
- carBAMazepine ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- carBAMazepine ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4
- Ref high
- 12
- Critical range
- — – 15 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you’re taking carbamazepine to manage conditions like epilepsy or neuropathic pain. It helps assess whether your dose is effective and safe, especially if you experience side effects or changes in symptoms.
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 a blood sample. The process takes about 5 minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. Rest assured, this is a standard procedure for blood tests.
What the Results Mean
Results help your doctor determine if your carbamazepine levels are too high (which can cause side effects) or too low (which may mean your medication isn’t working). They’re used to adjust your dose if needed.
Possible Side Effects or Risks
While rare, blood tests carry a small risk of bruising, bleeding, or infection at the injection site. Carbamazepine itself can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or stomach upset, but this test itself doesn’t directly cause these.
Reference range
Therapeutic: 4-12 mcg/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Carbamazepine levels are critical for managing epilepsy and nerve pain. Optimal levels prevent seizures or pain flare-ups while minimizing side effects. Monitoring helps avoid toxicity (e.g., dizziness, rash) or inadequate treatment (e.g., worsening symptoms).
Short name
Carbamazepine Level
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
What if my results are outside the normal range?
Can I eat or drink before this 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