Gabapentin Test
Also known as: Gabapentin Level Test, Gabapentin Serum Level, Gabapentin Blood Test, Gabapentin TDM, Neurontin Level Test
Gabapentin Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹11,000. Uses LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry) on Serum samples. Results in Samples must be submitted by the 7th of the month. Reports are typically available 2–3 weeks after sample receipt by the reference laboratory, delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the Gabapentin Test is to quantify the serum concentration of gabapentin to guide safe and effective dosing. This test is essential for ensuring that therapeutic levels are maintained, especially in patients with renal impairment where gabapentin clearance is reduced. It helps identify sub-therapeutic levels indicating non-compliance or malabsorption, and supra-therapeutic levels that may lead to toxicity. By enabling evidence-based dose adjustments, the Gabapentin Test supports optimal clinical outcomes in patients receiving long-term gabapentin therapy.
- Test Code
- 631
- CPT Code
- 80171
- ICD Code
- Z51.81
- Price
- ₹11,000
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Samples must be submitted by the 7th of the month. Reports are typically available 2–3 weeks after sample receipt by the reference laboratory, delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry)
Sample Collection
Note the exact time of the last gabapentin dose. Ideally, collect the sample 2 hours after the last dose. No fasting is required unless specifically instructed by the referring physician. Ensure the Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is duly filled and signed.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
Collect 2 mL (minimum 1 mL) of venous blood into a Red Top (No Additive) tube. Do NOT use SST gel barrier tubes. Mix gently by inversion 5–6 times.
Report Delivery
Separate serum immediately from cells. Label the sample clearly with patient details, date, time of collection, and time of last dose. Ship the sample refrigerated (2–8°C) or frozen (−20°C). Ensure the sample and Form 35 reach DNA Labs India by the 7th of the month.
Timeline: Samples must be submitted by the 7th of the month. Reports are typically available 2–3 weeks after sample receipt by the reference laboratory, delivered via online portal, email, and WhatsApp.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Gabapentin Test is to quantify the serum concentration of gabapentin to guide safe and effective dosing. This test is essential for ensuring that therapeutic levels are maintained, especially in patients with renal impairment where gabapentin clearance is reduced. It helps identify sub-therapeutic levels indicating non-compliance or malabsorption, and supra-therapeutic levels that may lead to toxicity. By enabling evidence-based dose adjustments, the Gabapentin Test supports optimal clinical outcomes in patients receiving long-term gabapentin therapy.
How to Prepare
- Collect blood sample ideally 2 hours after the last gabapentin dose
- Use a Red Top (No Additive) tube only — do NOT use SST gel barrier tubes
- Minimum volume: 1 mL serum; recommended volume: 2 mL serum
- Separate serum from cells immediately after collection
- Ship refrigerated (2–8°C) or frozen (−20°C)
- Duly filled Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is mandatory
- Ensure sample reaches the lab by the 7th of the month for processing
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Gabapentin is widely prescribed for epilepsy and neuropathic pain, but its pharmacokinetics vary significantly between individuals—particularly in patients with renal impairment. Serum level monitoring via LC-MS/MS helps clinicians confirm therapeutic adequacy, identify non-compliance, and detect early toxicity before clinical deterioration occurs."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample collected in SST gel barrier tubes
- Sample volume less than 1 mL serum
- Sample not separated and shipped in whole blood form
- Missing or incomplete Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35)
- Sample received after the monthly cut-off date (7th of the month)
- Haemolysised or improperly labelled samples
Understanding Your Results
The serum gabapentin concentration is within the expected therapeutic window. Continue current dosing regimen and monitor clinically.
Gabapentin levels are below the therapeutic range. This may indicate non-compliance, incorrect sampling time, malabsorption, or need for dose escalation. Clinical correlation is recommended.
Gabapentin levels exceed the therapeutic range, raising concern for potential toxicity. Symptoms may include drowsiness, dizziness, ataxia, slurred speech, and respiratory depression. Immediate clinical review and dose adjustment are advised.
Patients with reduced renal clearance may accumulate gabapentin even at standard doses. Dose reduction and frequent monitoring are essential in chronic kidney disease.
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of gabapentin overdose such as excessive drowsiness, dizziness, slurred speech, difficulty breathing, loss of coordination, or seizures. Also consult your physician if your test results show gabapentin levels outside the therapeutic range for dose adjustment.
Limitations
- ⚠This is a send-out test; turnaround time is 2–3 weeks after sample receipt by the reference laboratory
- ⚠Samples must reach the laboratory by the 7th of the month for batch processing
- ⚠Gabapentin therapeutic ranges are not universally standardised and may vary by laboratory
- ⚠A single serum level provides a snapshot and should be interpreted in the context of clinical presentation, renal function, and dosing regimen
- ⚠Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) is mandatory; incomplete documentation may delay processing
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or soreness at the venipuncture site
- ●Rare risk of infection at the puncture site
- ●Very rare risk of fainting or dizziness during blood draw
Interfering Factors
- ●Timing of sample collection relative to last dose — sample should be drawn ideally 2 hours post-dose
- ●Use of SST gel barrier tubes may interfere with assay accuracy; Red Top (No Additive) tubes are required
- ●Severe renal impairment may significantly alter gabapentin clearance and expected levels
- ●Haemolysised or lipaemic samples may affect test reliability
- ●Concomitant medications may influence gabapentin metabolism or clearance
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Gabapentin Test | Carbamazepine Test | Valproic Acid Test | Phenytoin Test | Levetiracetam Test | Lamotrigine Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Gabapentin Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gabapentin Test?
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What is the cost of the Gabapentin Test at DNA Labs India?
What sample is required for the Gabapentin Test?
When should I get my blood sample collected?
Do I need to fast before the Gabapentin Test?
What is the turnaround time for receiving my results?
Is the Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) mandatory?
What is the normal therapeutic range for gabapentin?
What happens if my gabapentin levels are too high?
Does DNA Labs India offer home sample collection for this test?
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