Papaverine concentration in plasma (24-hour integrated)
This test measures the amount of papaverine, a naturally occurring alkaloid found in certain plants, present in your blood over a 24-hour period. Papaverine is sometimes used in medical settings to relax blood vessels or muscles.
["Papaverine levels can help assess exposure or therapeutic effects in specific clinical scenarios."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73216-4
- Short code
- Papaverine ind plt IgG SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Papaverine ind plt IgG 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you’ve been exposed to papaverine-containing products (e.g., certain herbal supplements or medications) or if you’re undergoing treatment involving papaverine. It could also be part of monitoring for conditions where blood vessel relaxation is involved, though this is rare.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required. You’ll provide a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. If you’re taking medications or supplements that could affect blood vessels, let your provider know.
What the Results Mean
Results are usually reported as a concentration range (e.g., micrograms per liter) over 24 hours. Higher levels may indicate recent exposure or therapeutic use, while very low levels suggest minimal presence. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your medical history and symptoms.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Elevated levels might be linked to recent papaverine ingestion (e.g., from supplements or medications) or certain medical conditions affecting blood flow. Very low levels could mean the substance isn’t present or has been metabolized quickly. Always discuss findings with your doctor.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Papaverine is primarily studied in research contexts for its vasodilatory effects (relaxing blood vessels) or potential use in treating conditions like erectile dysfunction or certain gastrointestinal disorders. In clinical practice, this test is uncommon and usually reserved for specialized cases involving papaverine exposure or monitoring.
Short name
Papaverine (24-hour)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive or abnormal result mean?
How often will I need this test?
Can I stop taking supplements or medications 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