Test Category: Specialist BiochemistryToxicology
Investigation Name:Levetiracetam
Alias or Abbreviation:LEVET
Accreditation:UKAS Accredited ISO15189:2022:On scope
Intro:
Levetiracetam (brand name Keppra) is the non-branded name for the broad spectrum antiepileptic drug Keppra, which is affective against partial and generalised seizures. Dose changes of Levetiracetam produce a predictable change in serum concentration in most patients.However, toxicity, although rare, can lead to a range of effects including sedation, irritability and confusion to ataxia, seizures and even coma and life-threatening respiratory depression in extreme cases.
Monitoring is indicated in cases of suspected toxicity, treatment failure or in the investigation of ampliance and adverse side-effects.
Pathology Laboratory:Toxicology Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Units:mg/L
Minimum Sample Volume:1mL EDTA plasma or serum
Expected Turnaround Time:7 working days post sample receipt.
Test Code:LEVE
Sample Type:
A minimum of 1mL of plasma (EDTA purple cap)/serum (Gold or Red cap) collected immediately prior to next dose, or minimum of 6 hours post dose.Note sample must be separated from cells as soon as possible at within 2 days of sampling.
Complex Reference Range:Non-compliance, suboptiman dose: <10 mg/L
Maximum drug efficacy: 10-40 mg/L
(Trough specimen taken pre dose or minimum of 6 hours post dose).
Collection Conditions / Other Information:LAB INSTRUCTIONS: separate into aliquot tube.
Referred to Another Laboratory?No
Storage Requirements:Once separated from cells, samples can be stored at 4°C prior to sending, and can be transported at ambient temperature through the normal postal system.
Posting Address / Requirements:Sandwell Health Campus
Pathology Department
Specialist Chemistry
Lyndon,
B71 4HJ
NPEX / PDF Reporting Available:NPEX and PDF reporting available.
EQA Scheme:The laboratory is enrolled on an EQA scheme with LGC Standards PT schemes and receive samples monthly.
Lead Contact Details:Hayley Sharrod-Cole, Consultant Clinical Scientist,
Email: hayley.sharrod-cole@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.bcpsspecialistchemistryenquiries@nhs.net
Site Sample Tested:City Health Campus
Cost:Please email: bcpspathology.info@nhs.net for further details
Contact Number:0121 507 4138
