Colchicine Immunoassay (Plasma/Serum)
This test measures the amount of colchicine, a medication used to treat certain types of gout and inflammatory conditions, in your blood. It helps monitor your drug levels to ensure they remain safe and effective.
["Check your colchicine levels to avoid overdose or insufficient treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73429-3
- Short code
- Colchicine ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Colchicine ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- hematology
- 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 Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you’re taking colchicine to manage conditions like gout, familial Mediterranean fever, or periodic fever syndromes. It’s also used to check for toxicity if you’ve had high doses or experienced side effects like nausea, vomiting, or muscle weakness.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or a blood sample drawn from a vein. If you’re on colchicine, your doctor may advise stopping it temporarily or adjusting your dose before testing.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range for colchicine in blood. Very high levels may indicate overdose, while very low levels might suggest the medication isn’t working as intended. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and treatment plan.
Common Side Effects and Risks
Colchicine can cause side effects like stomach pain, dizziness, or fatigue. Rarely, it may lead to serious issues like kidney problems or low blood cell counts. If you experience severe symptoms (e.g., chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or confusion), seek medical attention immediately.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Colchicine levels are critical for managing therapeutic dosing. Toxicity can occur at higher concentrations, leading to organ damage or life-threatening complications. Regular monitoring helps prevent these risks and ensures the medication remains effective for your condition.
Short name
Colchicine Level
Frequently asked questions
What triggers a colchicine test?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I drink alcohol before the 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy