Serum Olanzapine Concentration (Pharmacokinetic Monitoring)
This test measures the amount of olanzapine, a medication used to treat certain mental health conditions, in your blood. It helps doctors monitor your drug levels to ensure they’re effective and safe.
["This test helps adjust your medication dose to avoid side effects or reduce the risk of treatment resistance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73234-7
- Short code
- OLANZapine ind plt IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- OLANZapine 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 Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re taking olanzapine long-term, have unusual side effects, or if your symptoms aren’t improving as expected. It’s also used in research or specialized care settings to track drug levels precisely.
What Does This Test Measure?
Olanzapine is a medication belonging to the class of antipsychotics. This test quantifies its concentration in your serum (liquid part of blood), which helps determine how much of the drug is circulating in your body at a given time.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate the serum (the liquid part) for testing. This process is quick and typically done in a lab.
What Are Common Results Used For?
Results are primarily used to guide dosage adjustments. For example, if levels are too high, your doctor may reduce your dose to prevent side effects like dizziness, weight gain, or metabolic issues. If levels are too low, they may increase your dose to improve treatment effectiveness.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Olanzapine levels can vary widely depending on factors like metabolism, dose, and individual differences. While this test doesn’t replace clinical judgment, it provides critical data to balance efficacy and safety. Abnormally high or low levels may signal the need for further evaluation or dose modification.
Short name
Olanzapine Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a ‘normal’ range mean for this test?
How often will I need this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before this 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