The anti-seizure medication (ASM) listed below can be tested in the blood.
All samples should be taken in a serum-separation 'yellow top' tube (SST) and sent to the Biochemistry Lab at Heartlands Hospital. Where possible, try to get 'tough levels' (i.e. just before a dose is due to be taken).
The primary reason for testing ASM levels is to see if a patient is taking medication. If the levels are zero, ask the patient if they are being concordant (compliant) with treatment. Any other result is difficult to interpret, although we are happy to advise via A+G if the levels are very high.
Routine analysis (results <24 hours)
- Carbamazepine (Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham only)
- Phenytoin
- Sodium Valproate (Heartlands Hospital only)
Specialist analysis at Heartlands Hospital (results <7 days)
- Lamotrigine
- Levetiracetam
- Phenobarbitone
- Pregabalin
- Gabapentin
Tests sent away to Chalfont (only if discussed with the duty biochemist)
- Brivaracetam
- Clobazam*
- Eslicarbazepine*
- Ethosuximide
- Felbamate
- Lacosamide*
- Oxcarbazepine*
- Perampanel*
- Primidone*
- Tiagabine
- Topiramate*
- Vigabatrin
- Zonisamide*
* Tests are likely to be available through University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust in the next 12 months.
Last reviewed 15 May 2024