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HelpTest Code LABLEVE LEVETIRACETAM (KEPPRA) Serum
Useful For/Utility
Levetiracetam is an anti-convulsant drug approved for use as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of epilepsy.
Methodology
Enzyme Immunoassay
Clinical Information
Levetiracetam Assay is a homogeneous immunoassay based on competition between drug in the specimen and levetiracetam labeled with the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) for binding to the antibody reagent. As the latter binds antibody, enzyme activity decreases. In the presence of drug from the specimen, enzyme activity increases and is directly proportional to the drug concentration. Active enzyme converts the coenzyme nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) to NADH that is measured spectrophotometricaly as a rate of change in absorbance. Endogenous serum G6PDH does not interfere with the results becuase the coenzyme NAD functions only with the bacterial enzyme used in the assay.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Non-gel Serum
Container/Tube: Red top
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Draw trough specimen prior to next dose, preferably in the morning. When toxicity is suspected, draw level when ordered STAT.
2. Spin down and separate ASAP after clotting.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Seperated serum: Refrigerate 5 days/Frozen OK
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Chemistry -
St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
80177
Reference Values
Therapeutic concentration: 6-46 µg/mL