Pentobarbital Level (Sendout)

This test replaces Pentobarbital [PENTOG]
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General Information

Lab Name
Pentobarbital Level (Sendout)
Lab Code
RPENTS
Epic Name
Pentobarbital Level (Sendout)
External Test Id
PENTS
Description

Useful For: Monitoring of pentobarbital therapy treatment.

Collection Timing: Draw blood immediately before next scheduled dose.

References
Synonyms
Nembutal, PENTOG, PENTS
Components
Code Name
RPENTR Pentobarbital Level

Interpretation

Method

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Reference Range
See individual components
Ref. Range Notes

Reference Values:

Therapeutic Ranges:

Hypnotic: 1-5 mcg/mL
Therapeutic coma: 20-50 mcg/mL
Reducing intracranial pressure: 30-40 mcg/mL

This degree of sedation requires artificial respiratory support.

Toxic Concentration: >10 mcg/mL

Interpretation: Pentobarbital concentrations above 10 mcg/mL have been associated with toxicity.

Interferences and Limitations

Cautions:

  • The concentration at which toxicity occurs varies and results should be interpreted in light of clinical situation.
  • Specimens collected in serum gel tubes are not acceptable because the drug can absorb on the gel and lead to falsely decreased concentrations.
References

Ordering & Collection

Specimen Type
Blood
Collection

6 mL blood in RED TOP tube

  • Unacceptable: Serum gel/GOLD SST.

Collection Timing: Draw blood immediately before next scheduled dose.

Handling Instructions

Outside Laboratories: Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial within two hours of collection. Refrigerate serum while awaiting shipment. Transport with a cold pack.

  • Note: Specimens collected in serum gel tubes are not acceptable because the drug can absorb on the gel and lead to falsely decreased concentrations.

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 14 days; Frozen: 14 days; Ambient: 14 days.

Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis or serum from a gel tube. Gross lipemia and gross icterus are acceptable.

Quantity
Requested: 2 mL serum
Minimum: 0.7 mL serum

Processing

Receiving Instructions

Centrifuge sample and transfer serum to a separate plastic vial within two hours of collection. Refrigerate serum.

Sendouts:

  • Order Mayo Test: PENTS
  • Interfaced: Yes [Interface: 601; Worksheet: MARF]

Stability: Refrigerated (preferred): 14 days; Frozen: 14 days; Ambient: 14 days.

Reject Due To: Gross hemolysis or serum from a gel tube. Gross lipemia and gross icterus are acceptable.

Misc Sendout

Performance

Lab Department
Sendouts Mayo Lab (RF)(MARF)
Frequency
Performed: Thursday. Reported: 3-9 days from sample receipt at Mayo Clinic Laboratories.
Available STAT?
No
Performing Location(s)
Sendout Mayo Clinic Laboratories (Superior Drive)
800-533-1710

3050 Superior Drive NW
Rochester, MN 55901

Billing & Coding

CPT Codes
80299
LOINC
3924-8
Interfaced Order Code
UOW5453