Serum or Plasma Concentration of Escitalopram (Active Metabolite of Escitalopram)
This test measures the amount of escitalopram, a medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, in your blood.
["Knowing your escitalopram level helps your doctor monitor your dose and ensure it’s working safely for you."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73025-9
- Short code
- Escitalopram (neut) IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Escitalopram (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 Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you’re taking escitalopram (Lexapro) and want to check how your body is processing the medication. It can also be done if you have concerns about side effects or if your symptoms aren’t improving as expected.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll provide a blood sample, usually drawn from a vein in your arm. If you’re on a blood thinner, let your doctor know before the test.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are used to adjust your medication dose if needed. While reference ranges vary by lab, lower-than-expected levels might suggest your dose isn’t sufficient, while very high levels could indicate potential side effects.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors may test escitalopram levels if you’re experiencing unusual side effects, if your symptoms don’t improve after a few weeks, or if you’re considering stopping the medication.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Escitalopram Level
Frequently asked questions
This test helps ensure your medication is at an effective dose without causing excessive side effects. It’s particularly useful for patients who may have liver issues, as escitalopram is metabolized by the liver.
If you have questions about your test results, discuss them with your healthcare provider. They can help interpret your specific results and explain any changes to your treatment plan.
This test measures the active form of escitalopram in your bloodstream, which is different from tests that check for other antidepressants (like sertraline or fluoxetine).
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