Acetazolamidedose
This test measures the amount of acetazolamide in your blood to ensure the drug is at the right level for effective treatment.
{"Acetazolamide is a medication used to treat glaucoma, altitude sickness, and certain types of seizures","This test checks if the drug level in your blood is within the therapeutic range","A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm","Results help your doctor adjust your dosage for optimal treatment"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4106-1
- Short code
- ACET
- Synonyms
- acetaZOLAMIDE Dose
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold top) or plain red top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2
- Ref high
- 10
- Critical range
- — – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) or High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
- CPT
- 80200
- SNOMED
- 313336004
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum minimum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 14 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 50
- Lipemia max
- 300
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The Acetazolamide blood test measures the concentration of acetazolamide in your serum (the liquid part of your blood). This test helps your healthcare provider ensure you are receiving the correct amount of medication for your condition.
What is Acetazolamide?
Acetazolamide is a prescription medication belonging to a class of drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors. It is commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as glaucoma (to reduce eye pressure), acute altitude sickness, epilepsy, and fluid retention (edema). The medication works by reducing the production of certain body fluids and can help prevent altitude-related symptoms.
Why do I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test for several reasons: to monitor drug levels and ensure they remain within the therapeutic range, to check for proper dosing, to evaluate if you are taking the medication as prescribed, or to help diagnose potential toxicity or side effects. Regular monitoring helps maintain the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing adverse effects.
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 procedure typically takes only a few minutes and is generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort.
How should I prepare for the test?
Follow your doctor's instructions regarding medication timing. Typically, the blood sample is drawn just before your next dose of acetazolamide (trough level) or at a specific time after taking the medication as directed by your healthcare provider. Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking, as these may affect the test results.
Understanding your results
Your test results will show the concentration of acetazolamide in your blood. Therapeutic ranges vary depending on the condition being treated. Your doctor will interpret your results considering your specific condition, overall health, and other factors. Do not adjust your medication dosage without consulting your healthcare provider.
Reference range
Therapeutic range: 2-10 mcg/mL (10-40 micromol/L); Supratherapeutic: >15 mcg/mL; Subtherapeutic: <2 mcg/mLN/A
Collect trough specimen immediately before next dose. Inform laboratory of dose timing. Report any adverse effects or symptoms. No fasting required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Are there any risks associated with this test?
How long does it take to get results?
What should I do if my levels are too high or too low?
Can other medications affect my test results?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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 10, 2026. · Read our editorial policy