Carbamazepine in Urine (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of carbamazepine, a medication used to treat certain types of seizures or nerve pain, in your urine.
["Helps monitor drug levels to ensure safe and effective treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16548-0
- Short code
- CARBU
- Synonyms
- carBAMazepine Ur-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine container without preservatives; plastic screw-cap container preferred
- 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
- Immunoassay (EMIT, FPIA) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80346
- SNOMED
- 387207009
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL random urine sample
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Protect from light.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re taking carbamazepine to check if the medication is working properly or to adjust your dose. It’s also used to detect drug use if carbamazepine is involved in suspected misuse.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll likely be asked to provide a urine sample in a clean container, often collected at a lab or clinic. Follow any specific instructions your provider gives you.
What the Results Mean
Results show the concentration of carbamazepine in your urine. Higher levels may indicate recent use of the medication or, in some cases, potential issues like toxicity. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your medical history and treatment plan.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is commonly used in patients on carbamazepine to verify compliance, assess therapeutic drug levels, or screen for unintended exposure (e.g., in cases of accidental ingestion or suspected misuse).
Reference range
No established therapeutic reference range for urinary carbamazepine; urinary levels are not used for routine therapeutic monitoring. Serum/plasma therapeutic range: 4-12 mcg/mL.N/A
No special preparation required. Patient should inform the laboratory and physician of all current medications, as carbamazepine has numerous drug interactions.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Urine Carbamazepine
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get urine test results?
What does a high urine carbamazepine level mean?
Can I drink water before giving a urine sample?
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