Quetiapine Concentration in Serum/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.
["Quetiapine levels help tailor your treatment to avoid side effects or insufficient effectiveness."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72967-3
- Short code
- QUEtiapine (neut) IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- QUEtiapine (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 Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test if you’re taking quetiapine (a medication used to treat conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or anxiety) and want to monitor your blood levels. It may also be done during treatment adjustments, if you’re experiencing side effects, or if you’re considering stopping the medication.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure quetiapine concentration. No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast or avoid certain activities depending on your doctor’s instructions.
What Are Possible Results?
Results are typically reported in micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL) or nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). Your actual reference range will depend on your specific situation and may vary by lab. Your doctor will interpret the results in relation to your symptoms and medical history.
What Does a High or Low Level Mean?
High levels may indicate your body is processing the medication too quickly, which could reduce its effectiveness. Low levels might suggest your dose is too low to manage your condition effectively. Your doctor will discuss these findings with you.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Monitoring quetiapine levels is important because this medication can affect different people differently. Blood levels help ensure you’re getting the right amount to control symptoms while minimizing risks like drowsiness, weight changes, or other side effects. Regular monitoring may also help prevent withdrawal symptoms if you’re tapering off the medication.
Short name
Quetiapine Level
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
What should I do if my results are outside the expected range?
Can I eat or drink 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