Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry  (SENDOUTS)
Test Name:
LEVETIRACETAM - (S)
Test Code: MISC
Clinical Information:
Test Indications: Levetiracetem is also know as Keppra. Drug levels do not correlate with either therapeutic efficacy or toxicity.  Drug monitoring is not routinely recommended since levetiracetam has a linear dose-concentration dependence, is well-absorbed and shows low protein-binding.  The test may be of use to document non-compliance, or to guide dosage adjustments in patients with renal failure, pregnancy, puberty or changes with aging.  Toxicity may occur for some patients within the normal therapeutic range.  Symptoms of toxicity include decrease in hematocrit, decreased RBC, decreased neutrophil count, sleepiness, weakness and dizziness.  This test requires approval by a Clinical Biochemist prior to referral.

Click here for the Approval For Test Referral Biochemistry (F260-11-02)  

Patient Preparation Instructions:  Collect trough specimen, prior to next dose
Collection Devices:
Do not use separator gel.
Specimen Required:


Serum: 2.0 mL

Minimum Volume:  1.0 mL
Collection Information: Optimum time to collect sample is 0.5 to 1 hour pre-oral dose, trough at steady state (2 weeks after onset of treatment).
Special Processing: Process the blood as soon as possible after collection to prepare serum, since hydrolysis of levetiracetam may occur in the prolonged presence of whole blood.
Specimen Stability:
Ambient: 12 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen:  2 months
Referral:

Shipping and Storage: Gel tubes are not acceptable. Separate from cells and ship aliquot of frozen serum.
Requisition:
Reference Values:
Availability:
Within 2 Weeks
Must be cleared by a Clinical Chemist prior to sendout
See Also:
More Information:
Store and ship frozen to In-Common Laboratories.