Gabapentin, Serum (Referred Out) - Saskatoon
Discipline
Biochemistry
Overview
Description
- Timing of specimen collection: Collect trough level prior to next dose at steady state concentration
- Indicate date and time of last dose on the requisition
Alias
- Neurontin
Specimen Information
Specimen types accepted
- Serum
Specimen collection container
- Preferred collection container: Red (clot-activator) 4 mL
Collection procedure
- Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection
- Specimen must be frozen upon receipt in lab
Required volume
- Optimal volume: 4 mL full collection tube
- Minimum volume: 1 mL serum
(Submitting the minimum volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory/reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum volume may require a second collection.)
Transport and stability
- Stable refrigerated: 1 month; frozen: 2 months
Rejection criteria
- Specimens received where the collection protocols were not followed
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Acceptance and Rejection Criteria
Performance
Methodology
- Liquid Chromatography - Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Days/times performed
Maximum laboratory time
- 5 day turn around time by testing laboratory
Other information
- Gabapentin serum test is used to optimize drug therapy and monitoring patient compliance
- Pharmacokinetics of gabapentin varies widely among patients, particularly those with compromised renal function
- Adverse effects may include somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, and fatigue
Last Updated: October 9, 2024