The phenytoin test is used to measure and monitor the amount of phenytoin in the blood and to determine whether drug concentrations are in the therapeutic range. It may be ordered every few days when a person first begins taking phenytoin to help adjust the dose to the desired blood level. The test is then ordered at regular intervals and as needed to monitor blood concentrations. One or more phenytoin tests may be ordered if a person starts or stops taking additional medications (to judge their effect, if any, on phenytoin levels) and may be ordered if the person has a seizure or if a health practitioner suspects toxicity.Usually, a total phenytoin test is used to monitor levels. In the blood, phenytoin is highly bound to serum proteins. Only the portion of phenytoin that is unbound or "free" is pharmacologically active. Under normal conditions, the balance between bound and unbound phenytoin in the blood is relatively stable, so measuring the total phenytoin (bound plus unbound) is appropriate for monitoring therapeutic levels. However, in certain conditions and disease states, that balance can be upset, the percentage of free or active phenytoin can increase, and the person may experience symptoms of toxicity even though their total phenytoin result falls within therapeutic range. In such cases, health practitioners may order a free phenytoin test to monitor the person's levels.
Sample Type - Blood
Reporting Time - 1 Day
Prerequisites - No special preparation required
Price - ₹970/-
Add to cart Go Home