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HelpTest Code MEPHS Mephobarbital and Phenobarbital, Serum
Reporting Name
Mephobarbital and Phenobarbital, SUseful For
Monitoring of mephobarbital and phenobarbital therapy
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBARS | Mephobarbital, S | No | Yes |
| PHBRS | Phenobarbital, S | No | Yes |
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (Serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 2.0 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect specimen immediately before next scheduled dose.
2. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Ambient | 14 days | ||
| Frozen | 14 days |
Reference Values
MEPHOBARBITAL
Therapeutic range: 1.0-7.0 mcg/mL
Toxic concentration: ≥15.0 mcg/mL
PHENOBARBITAL
Therapeutic range
Children: 15.0-30.0 mcg/mL
Adults: 20.0-40.0 mcg/mL
Toxic concentration: ≥60.0 mcg/mL
Day(s) Performed
Thursday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
80184
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| MEPHS | Mephobarbital and Phenobarbital, S | 97183-8 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 89706 | Mephobarbital, S | 3750-7 |
| 84582 | Phenobarbital, S | 3948-7 |
Clinical Information
Mephobarbital is an orally administered, methylated barbiturate used for the treatment of epilepsy.(1,2) It is demethylated by hepatic microsomal enzymes to generate its major metabolite, phenobarbital. During long-term use, most of the mephobarbital activity can be attributed to the accumulation of phenobarbital. Consequently, the pharmacological properties, toxicity, and clinical uses of mephobarbital are the same as phenobarbital.(1,2) The use of mephobarbital is uncommon as it offers no significant advantage over phenobarbital alone.(1,2)
Interpretation
Mephobarbital concentrations above 15 mcg/mL have been associated with toxicity.
Phenobarbital concentrations between 35 and 80 mcg/mL have been associated with slowness, ataxia, and nystagmus, while concentrations above 100 mcg/mL have been associated with coma without reflexes.
Report Available
3 to 9 daysSpecimen Retention Time
2 weeksReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.