Clonidine Concentration (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the amount of clonidine, a medication used to treat high blood pressure or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in your blood.
["Knowing your clonidine levels helps your doctor monitor your dose and adjust it as needed."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73031-7
- Short code
- cloNIDine (neut) IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- cloNIDine (neut) IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- 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 Matters
Clonidine is prescribed to manage conditions like hypertension or ADHD. Your doctor may order this test to check if your medication is working properly or if you need adjustments in dosage. Blood levels can fluctuate due to factors like timing of medication, liver function, or other health conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours if your blood sample is taken early in the morning. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay near the testing site for a short time.
During the Test
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into your arm to draw blood. You may feel a slight pinch, but the procedure is quick. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a concentration in micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL). Your doctor will interpret these results in relation to your medical history and symptoms. Too high or too low levels can affect how well the medication works or cause side effects.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clonidine levels help determine if the medication is therapeutic (effective) or if adjustments are needed. Low levels may indicate insufficient medication, while high levels could suggest issues like poor absorption, liver problems, or improper dosing. Regular monitoring is especially important in children or those with kidney or liver conditions.
Short name
Clonidine Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order this test?
What are the possible side effects of clonidine?
How long does it take to get my test results?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy