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Test Code LAB43 Acetaminophen, Plasma

Performing Laboratory

Barnes-Jewish Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Enzymatic Colorimetric
Note: This test is not used for routine therapeutic drug level monitoring. Use only to evaluate severity of intoxications.

Literature References:

Package insert: Acetaminophen. Roche Diagnostics, 2010.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Plasma
Container/Tube: 1 mint green-top (lithium heparin) tube
Specimen Volume: Full tube

 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Turnaround Time:
STAT: 1 hour after receipt in laboratory
Routine: results available the day of testing

Test Classification and CPT Coding

80143

 

Reference Values

Critical value (automatic call-back): ≥50 mcg/mL.

 

Significant hepatic injury may occur and treatment with N-acetyl cysteine is generally recommended if the acetaminophen level exceeds:
  150 mcg/mL at 4 hours after ingestion
  75 mcg/mL at 8 hours after ingestion
  38 mcg/mL at 12 hours after ingestion
  19 mcg/mL at 16 hours after ingestion

Consult toxicology or poison control (800-222-1222) for unknown ingestion time.

 

Literature Reference:

Waldman SA, Terzic A. Pharmacology and therapeutics, principles to practice. Saunders Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA: 2009.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient

Additional Information

For BJH Laboratory Use Only

Alternate Tube:

1 dark green-top (lithium heparin) tube
1 lavender-top (EDTA)- Separator gel tube is acceptable

1 plain red top tube
Separator gel tube is acceptable

 

Analyte Stability:

  • Specimens must be processed within 2 hours.
  • Processed sample stability:
    • Ambient - 24 hours
    • Refrigerated (2 - 8°C) - 7 days
    • Frozen (≤ -20°C) - 6 months
  • See Analyte Stability Chart under General Information for a complete list.

Laboratory Processing Instructions:
Test performed in BJH Core Lab.  Processed by automated line for delivery to the Cobas 8000. Completed specimens are stored refrigerated for 5 days. 

LOINC Code Information

Name LOINC Code
Acetaminophen, Plasma 3298-7