Carbamazepine Serum Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of carbamazepine, a medication used to treat certain types of seizures and nerve pain, in your blood.
["Knowing your carbamazepine level helps your doctor monitor your dose and ensure it’s working safely for your condition."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 14639-9
- Short code
- CARBAM
- Synonyms
- carBAMazepine SerPl-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum tube (no anticoagulant) or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 17
- Ref high
- 51
- Critical range
- — – 85 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Chemiluminescent, Enzyme Immunoassay, or Fluorescence Polarization Immunoassay)
- CPT
- 80156
- SNOMED
- 384810006
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 2–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you’re taking carbamazepine to check if your dose is appropriate. It helps prevent side effects, like dizziness or drowsiness, and ensures the medication is effective. This is especially important if you’re taking other medications that interact with carbamazepine.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, similar to other routine blood work. If you’re on blood thinners or have a history of bleeding issues, let your doctor know.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported in micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL). Your doctor will compare your result to your target range, which depends on your condition and how your body responds to the medication. Low levels might mean your dose isn’t working well, while high levels could indicate side effects.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Carbamazepine can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, or stomach upset. Rarely, it may lead to serious issues like low blood cell counts or skin reactions. Always follow your doctor’s advice and report any unusual symptoms.
Reference range
Therapeutic range: 17-51 micromol/L (4-12 mg/L); Toxic: >85 micromol/L (>20 mg/L)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Trough specimen should be collected immediately before the next scheduled dose for accurate therapeutic drug monitoring. Document the time of last dose and time of specimen collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Carbamazepine Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
Can I drink alcohol before this test?
What if my results are outside the normal range?
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