Tubes containing gel (SST and PST) are NOT acceptable
Units: mg/L
| Therapeutic Range: 0.5-2.6 |
Uncertainty of Measurement: 12%
The active metabolite, Desethylamiodarone, is not used in the interpretation of therapeutic effect.
Desethylamiodarone has steady state levels that are similar to the corresponding Amiodarone levels. As the Amiodarone level decreases faster than that of the metabolite, the level of Desethylamiodarone can be used for assessing the patients compliance.
Performed Weekly.
Principle : High performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA)
Monitoring
Amiodarone prolongs the action potential duration and hence the refractory period of atrial, nodal and ventricular tissues, giving it a broad range of activity against all types of arrhythmia.
The minimum effective dose should be given. Side effects (bradycardia and conductive disturbances), can occur in some patients even within the recommended therapeutic range.
The half life is approximately 50 days (range 20 - 100 days); measurement of blood levels should not be done until 3 months after a change in the dosage regime.
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can be caused by amiodarone; the TSH levels should be monitored occasionally. Liver function tests should also be monitored before, and periodically during treatment.
Emails to chemicalpathologist@adhb.govt.nz will receive priority attention from the on-call chemical pathologist.
If the query concerns a specific patient please include the NHI number in your email.
If email is not a suitable option, please contact the on-call chemical pathologist via Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995).
Individual chemical pathologists may be contacted but will not be available at all times.
After-hours : contact Lablink (Auckland City Hospital ext. 22000 or 09-3078995) or hospital operator for on duty staff after hours.
Dr Samarina Musaad (Clinical Lead) : SamarinaM@adhb.govt.nz ext. 22402
Dr Cam Kyle: CampbellK@adhb.govt.nz ext 22052
Dr Weldon Chiu: WeldonC@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Campbell Heron: CHeron@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Dr Sakunthala Jayasinghe: Sakunthala@adhb.govt.nz ext. 23427
Please centrifuge as soon as possible after collection and freeze serum/plasma at -20 o C.
Send to LabPlus frozen.