Quetiapine Concentration in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the amount of the medication quetiapine in your blood. It helps your healthcare provider assess whether your dose is working effectively and adjust it as needed.
["This test helps monitor your quetiapine therapy for optimal safety and effectiveness."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72968-1
- Short code
- QUEtiapine (neut) IgG SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- QUEtiapine (neut) IgG 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 Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test if you’re taking quetiapine (an antipsychotic medication) to check if your blood levels are within the recommended range. This helps prevent side effects and ensure the medication is working properly.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have blood drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other routine blood tests. If you’re on quetiapine, your doctor will discuss timing (e.g., before or after a dose) to get the most accurate result.
What the Results Mean
Results are used to guide your medication dose. Low levels might indicate the medication isn’t strong enough, while very high levels could signal potential side effects. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your overall health and treatment plan.
Common Side Effects to Watch For
Quetiapine can cause side effects like drowsiness, dry mouth, or weight changes. If you experience unusual symptoms (e.g., extreme dizziness, confusion, or signs of low blood pressure), inform your doctor immediately.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Monitoring quetiapine levels helps prevent adverse effects like sedation, metabolic changes (e.g., weight gain, diabetes risk), or poor medication adherence. It also ensures the drug remains effective for managing symptoms like mood disorders or psychosis.
Short name
Quetiapine Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor want to check my quetiapine levels regularly?
What if my test results are outside the expected range?
Can I eat or drink 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