Carbamazepine Peak Concentration (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the highest amount of carbamazepine (an anticonvulsant medication) in your blood or plasma right after you take your dose.
["Helps doctors check how well your body processes this medication for seizure control."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 97191-1
- Short code
- CARBPEAK
- Synonyms
- carBAMazepine Peak SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, tiger-top) or red-top tube with serum transfer to aliquot tube; plasma acceptable in lithium heparin or EDTA tubes
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 17
- Ref high
- 42
- Critical range
- — – 85 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (chemiluminescent or particle-enhanced turbidimetric)
- CPT
- 80156
- SNOMED
- 395176002
- Specimen volume
- 1 mL serum or plasma (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 30
- TAT
- 2–8 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Your doctor may order this test if you’re on carbamazepine to manage seizures or nerve pain. It helps ensure the drug is working at the right level without causing too much side effects.
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 test is usually done in a lab setting.
What the Results Mean
Results show the highest concentration of carbamazepine in your blood shortly after you take your dose. This helps doctors adjust your medication if needed.
Possible Side Effects or Considerations
Carbamazepine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or stomach upset. If you experience severe side effects like rash, swelling, or trouble breathing, seek medical help immediately.
Reference range
Therapeutic peak range: 17-42 µmol/L (4-12 mg/L). Optimal peak levels vary by indication and individual response.N/A
No fasting required. Sample should be collected as a peak level, typically 2-4 hours after the morning dose for immediate-release formulations, or as clinically indicated for the prescribed dosing regimen. Patient should be at steady-state (usually after 5-7 days of consistent dosing).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Monitoring for Optimal Therapy and Safety
Short name
Carbamazepine Peak Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a carbamazepine peak test help doctors determine?
How often should this test be done?
Can this test be done at home?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy