Acebutololserplmcnc
This test measures the amount of acebutolol, a beta-blocker medication, in your blood to ensure proper dosing and therapeutic effectiveness.
{"Measures acebutolol concentration in serum or plasma","Helps doctors ensure proper medication dosing","Used for patients taking acebutolol to treat high blood pressure or heart rhythm problems","Blood sample is typically drawn 2-6 hours after taking the dose","Results help prevent both under-dosing and toxic levels"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 60040-3
- Short code
- ACEB
- Synonyms
- Acebutolol SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red top serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.5
- Ref high
- 2
- Critical range
- — – 4 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
- CPT
- 80375
- SNOMED
- 372729009
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Acebutolol blood level test measures how much acebutolol is present in your blood serum or plasma. Acebutolol is a beta-blocker medication commonly prescribed under the brand name Sectral to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain heart rhythm disorders (arrhythmias). This test is a form of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), which helps your healthcare provider ensure you are receiving the right amount of medication to be effective without causing harmful side effects.
Why is this test performed?
Your doctor may order this test for several reasons: to confirm you are taking the correct dose of acebutolol, to check if you are taking your medication as prescribed, to evaluate why you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to your medication, or to monitor your response to treatment over time. Therapeutic drug monitoring is important because individual people metabolize medications differently, and the same dose can affect people in various ways.
How is the test done?
A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm, usually 2-6 hours after you have taken your acebutolol dose. This timing is important because it helps your doctor interpret your results relative to when you took your medication. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is analyzed to determine the concentration of acebutolol in your serum or plasma.
What do the results mean?
Test results are typically reported in mass per volume units (such as ng/mL or mcg/mL). The therapeutic reference range for acebutolol is typically between 0.5-2.0 mcg/mL, though this can vary slightly between laboratories. Results below the therapeutic range may indicate that your dose is too low to effectively control your condition. Results above the therapeutic range may indicate over-dosing, which could increase your risk of side effects. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your individual health condition, other medications you may be taking, and your specific treatment goals.
What are the side effects of acebutolol?
Common side effects of acebutolol include fatigue, dizziness, slow heart rate (bradycardia), low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and digestive issues. More serious side effects can include chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, or unusual swelling. It is important to report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider, especially if they persist or worsen. Do not stop taking acebutolol suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can cause a sudden worsening of your condition.
Reference range
Therapeutic range: 0.5-2.0 mcg/mL; Toxic range: >2.0 mcg/mLN/A
Collect sample just before next dose (trough level) for therapeutic monitoring. Inform laboratory of dose timing and last dose. Report any beta-blocker medications or supplements.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before this test?
How often will I need this test?
What happens if my levels are too high or too low?
Can other medications affect my acebutolol levels?
Sources
- 1MedlinePlus - AcebutololSource
- 2
- 3LOINC Code 60040-3Source
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy