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Medicine Blood Level Test

Test Overview

A medicine blood level test measures how much of your medicine is in your blood. Your doctor checks it to make sure that you are taking a safe and effective dose. This testing is also called therapeutic drug monitoring.

This information is about medicines that are not used to control seizures.

Why It Is Done

Why It Is Done

Certain types of medicine need to be monitored because:

  • At a low blood level, they don't work as well as they should.
  • At a high blood level, they may cause problems.

Your doctor may use your test results to adjust your dose.

You may need testing when you take medicines such as:

  • Cyclosporine and tacrolimus, which help control the immune system.
  • Digoxin, which helps the heart pump blood better.
  • Gentamicin and vancomycin, which are antibiotics.
  • Lithium, which affects brain chemicals.
How To Prepare

How To Prepare

Depending on the kind of medicine you take, your doctor may schedule your test at a certain time of day. For example, you may have your test in the morning, before you take your medicine. Or your test might be after you take your medicine.

How It Is Done

How It Is Done

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

How It Feels

How It Feels

When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.

Risks

Risks

There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.

Results

Results

A medicine blood level test measures how much of your medicine is in your blood. Your doctor checks it to make sure that you're taking a safe and effective dose. This testing is also called therapeutic drug monitoring.

The medicine blood level is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors to help decide whether you are taking the right amount of medicine.

Current as of: May 13, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

© 2024 Ignite Healthwise, LLC. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

Related Links

Seizure Medicine Levels in Blood Test Medical Tests: Questions to Ask the Doctor

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