Phenytoin Test
Phenytoin Test
clinical definition of phenytoin
Phenytoin is an antiepileptic drug occassionally utilized in the treatment of some seizure disorders also known as epilepsy. Seizure conditions affect the brains ability to transmit electrical impulses and regulate nerve activity. Seizures are abnormal electrical discharges in the brain that temporarily distort the normal message transmission to the body. They produce alterations in consciousness, cause odd rhythmic or repetitive movements, jerking or twitching of limbs, and/or can lead to convulsions (a sudden uncontrollable attack) that contract muscles throughout the body. This test measures the amount of phenytoin in the blood. In the blood phenytoin is highly bound to serum proteins. The unbound or free is pharmacologically active. Phenytoin works by reducing the electrical conductance among brain cells, blocking excessive electrochemical activity occurring in the brain during a seizure. Phenytoin levels have to be observed as very low levels of phenytoin can lead to seizures in an affected person and high levels of phenytoin result in phenytoin toxicity.
when do you expect results?
24 to 36 Hours
why get tested?
The phenytoin test diagnosis the phenytoin concentration in the blood, to maintain a therapeutic level, and to diagnose potential for toxicity. Phenytoin is utilized in seizures to control and treat them; that may begin during or after surgery to the brain or nervous system
reason to take phenytoin test
Symptoms observed are:
Slurred speech
Tremors
hirsutism
Low blood pressure
Swelling of the gums and/or lymph nodes
Insomnia
Nausea
Confusion
Difficulty swallowing
Fatigue
Rashes
changes in consciousness
Alterations in sight, smell, and taste
Uncontrolled muscular convulsions
Loss of balance and falling
Involuntary eye movement from side to side (nystagmus)
preparations needed for phenytoin test
Preparatory instructions before the test *:
No Fasting Required.
No other special preparations required.
sample required?
Specimen type: Serum (Blood Sample),
Specimen collection procedure: Venipuncture Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm.
Understanding results ofPhenytoin
Reference Range Interpretation
10 to 20 µg/ml Therapeutic range
Above 20 µg/ml Toxic range
‘*A Reference range is a set of values which helps the healthcare professional to interpret a medical test. It may vary with age, gender, and other factors. Reference ranges may also vary between labs, in value & units depending on instruments used and method of establishment of reference ranges’
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