One 7.5 mL serum separator tube (SST). Also acceptable: One 4 mL green top tube (heparin), or one 4.5 mL light green plasma separator tube (PST).
Handling:
Centrifuge and separate SST or PST within 2 hours of collection and transport in original tube. Centrifuge green top tube within 2 hours of collection, separate plasma from cells and pour into a plastic vial for transport. Refrigerate. Note last dose date and time. Freeze if specimen cannot be assayed within 48 hours.
Stability:
48 hours refrigerated.
Standard Volume:
0.5 mL serum or plasma.
Minimum Volume:
150 µL serum or plasma.
Transport:
Refrigerated, or frozen on dry ice.
Comments:
Refer to drug manufacturer’s package insert or the Physicians’ Desk Reference for Carbamazepine measurement sampling times.
Rejection Criteria:
Refrigerated specimen received in laboratory more than 48 hours after collection.