Acebutololspecscnc
This test measures the amount of acebutolol, a beta-blocker medication, in your blood to ensure proper dosing and effectiveness.
{"Acebutolol is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart conditions","The test helps doctors ensure you are receiving the right dose of medication","Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm for this test","Therapeutic drug monitoring prevents both underdosing and overdose","Results help your doctor adjust your medication if needed"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55521-9
- Short code
- ACEB
- Synonyms
- Acebutolol Spec-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 1.4
- Ref high
- 5.5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 18 years
- Method
- High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80375
- SNOMED
- 415571006
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL minimum, 2.0 mL preferred
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C): 30 days. Protect from light.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Acebutolol Blood Level Test measures the concentration of acebutolol in your blood serum. Acebutolol is a beta-blocker medication commonly prescribed to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), angina (chest pain), and certain irregular heart rhythms. This test is a form of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), which ensures that the amount of medication in your body is within the therapeutic range—enough to be effective but not so much that it causes harmful side effects.
Why is this test performed?
Your doctor may order this test for several reasons: to verify that you are taking the correct dose of acebutolol, to check if you are taking the medication as prescribed (medication adherence), to evaluate if the medication is working effectively for your condition, or to help diagnose the cause of unusual symptoms you may be experiencing. Some patients may experience side effects even at standard doses, while others may need higher doses to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. This test helps your healthcare provider personalize your treatment.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm using a needle. The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test is typically scheduled to be done just before your next dose of acebutolol (trough level) or sometimes after taking your dose (peak level), depending on what your doctor needs to evaluate. The procedure is quick and generally causes minimal discomfort, similar to a routine blood draw.
How should I prepare for the test?
Follow your doctor's instructions regarding medication timing. Usually, you should take your medication as prescribed unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as these may affect test results. There is typically no need to fast before this test. Wear a short-sleeved shirt or loose-fitting clothing to make it easier for the blood draw.
Reference range
Therapeutic range: 1.4-5.5 μmol/L (0.5-2.0 μg/mL). Reference ranges may vary by laboratory methodology. Consult laboratory-specific reference intervals.N/A
Collect as trough level, ideally immediately before next scheduled dose. Record last dose time and amount on requisition. Steady-state concentrations are typically achieved after 4-5 days of continuous therapy.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
What do the test results mean?
What are the side effects of acebutolol?
How often do I need this test?
Can other medications affect acebutolol levels?
What happens if my acebutolol level is too high or too low?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
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