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Thiopental clearance (serum/plasma)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures how quickly your body removes the drug thiopental from your bloodstream, which is important for assessing its elimination rate after administration.

Quick summary

["Helps evaluate drug metabolism and clearance in clinical settings involving thiopental use."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
4050-1
Short code
Thiopental SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Thiopental SerPl-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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 This Test Measures

Thiopental clearance reflects the rate at which your kidneys and liver break down and remove this anesthetic drug from your blood. It’s typically measured over a specific time period after administration, often in a controlled clinical setting.

Why It’s Done

Doctors may order this test if you’re receiving thiopental, such as during surgery or intensive care, to monitor how your body processes the medication and adjust dosing accordingly.

How It’s Performed

A blood sample is taken from a vein (usually in the arm) at timed intervals to measure thiopental levels. The test involves analyzing serum or plasma for drug concentration changes over time.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed unless instructed by your healthcare provider. You may feel slight discomfort from the needle, but it’s usually brief. If you’re receiving thiopental, your doctor may coordinate timing with your medication schedule.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

Thiopental Metabolism Clearance

Frequently asked questions

Thiopental clearance helps ensure safe dosing by confirming how efficiently your body processes the drug. Abnormal results may indicate impaired kidney or liver function, affecting how well the drug is eliminated.
Thiopental clearance is typically measured in clinical settings where drug monitoring is critical, such as during anesthesia or critical care. Your doctor will use these results to guide treatment adjustments.
What does a low clearance mean?
A low clearance could suggest your body removes thiopental too slowly, potentially increasing drug levels and risk of side effects. This might require dose adjustments or alternative medications.
What does a high clearance mean?
A high clearance means your body removes thiopental quickly, which may indicate normal metabolism. However, if clearance is too rapid, your doctor might reassess dosing to ensure adequate drug levels for the intended effect.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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