Montelukast, Serum/Plasma — Qualitative
This blood test detects the presence of montelukast, a prescription medicine used to treat asthma and seasonal allergies.
A detected result confirms that montelukast was present in the blood sample, but it does not by itself show whether the medicine is working optimally.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72987-1
- Short code
- Montelukast (neut) IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Montelukast (neut) IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 40
- Critical range
- — – 500 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 84484
- SNOMED
- 302774002
- 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
What is this test?
This test examines serum or plasma from a blood sample to determine whether montelukast is present. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist commonly prescribed for asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Why might I need this test?
The test may be used to assess drug exposure or adherence, investigate an unexpected response to therapy, or identify possible medicine interactions or accumulation. It is not routinely needed for everyone taking montelukast.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional draws blood from a vein and separates the serum or plasma for laboratory analysis. The coded result is qualitative, meaning it reports whether montelukast was detected rather than providing a measured concentration.
How do I prepare for the test?
No fasting is usually required. Continue taking montelukast as prescribed unless your clinician instructs otherwise, and tell the healthcare team when your last dose was taken and about other medicines or supplements you use.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
A detected result means montelukast was present in the sample at the time of collection. A result that is not detected may reflect the timing of the last dose, a missed dose, or individual differences in drug handling and should not be treated as proof of nonadherence. Any unexpected or high exposure must be interpreted by a clinician together with symptoms, dose timing, other medicines, and relevant medical conditions.
Short name
Montelukast Blood Test
Frequently asked questions
Is this a routine test for people taking montelukast?
Do I need to fast before this blood test?
Does a detected result mean my asthma is well controlled?
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