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Test Code THEO Theophylline Level

Additional Codes

Cerner

NextGen

Theophylline Level

Theophylline Level

Methodology

Two-point rate

Patient Preparation

None

Collection Instructions

Standard phlebotomy practices.

Specimen Requirements

Container

Specimen Type

Tube

Lithium Heparin Plasma

Serum

 or 

SST

For up to 24 hours

 or  or 

 

Stability

Storage

Temperature

Stability

Room Temperature

18-28°C

≤ 7 days

If separated within 4 hours

Refrigerated

2-8°C

≤ 7 days

If separated within 4 hours

Frozen

≤ -18 °C

≤ 60 days

If separated within 4 hours

Rejection Criteria

Gross Hemolysis

Result Reporting and Reference Values

Reported in µg/mL        

 

Low

High

Critical Low

Critical High

Therapeutic Range

10.0

20.0

N/A

>30.0

Reflex Testing

None

Limitations

  • Ortho reports a bias with the following:
    • Salicylate at 30 mg/dL can cause a +3.0 µg/mL bias
    • Alkaline Phosphatase at 700 U/L can cause a +2.0 µg/mL bias
  • Ortho reports no significant effect with the following: 
    • Bilirubin up to 30 mg/dL
    • Hemoglobin up to 1000 mg/dL        
    • Lipemia up to 800 mg/dL
  • The following interpretive data is visible to practioner: Salicylate at 30 mg/dl and Alkaline Phosphatase 700 U/L or greater creates a positive bias.

Useful For

Theophylline is a drug used in the treatment of asthma. Theophylline is an effective bronchodilator. The therapeutic and toxic effects of theophylline are related to the plasma concentrations of the drug. Theophylline measurements are used to monitor patient compliance and therapy and to diagnose potential overdose. Toxic effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, tachycardia, arrhythmias, and convulsions.