Test ID PFN Propafenone, Serum
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: Specimens should only be collected after patient has been receiving propafenone for at least 3 days. Trough concentrations should be collected just before administration of the next dose.
Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Draw blood immediately before next scheduled dose.
2. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.
Secondary ID
80295Useful For
Monitoring propafenone therapy
Assessing potential toxicity
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reporting Name
Propafenone, SSpecimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum Red | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
Ambient | 28 days | |
Frozen | 28 days |
Clinical Information
Propafenone (Rythmol) is a class 1C cardiac antiarrhythmic used to treat ventricular arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, and ventricular premature contractions).
Propafenone undergoes extensive first metabolism (half-life is approximately 2-10 hours). Its clinical efficacy is maintained through the formation of a metabolite (5-hydroxypropafenone) that is more pharmacologically active than the parent drug and has a longer half-life.
Specimens should only be collected after patient has been receiving propafenone orally for at least 3 days. Trough concentrations should be collected just before administration of the next dose. The therapeutic concentration is 0.5 to 2.0 mcg/mL; concentrations less than 0.5 mcg/mL likely indicate inadequate therapy, and propafenone above 2.0 mcg/mL indicates excessive therapy. Adverse side effects are seen in the central nervous system, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.
Reference Values
Trough Value
0.5-2.0 mcg/mL: Therapeutic concentration
>2.0 mcg/mL: Toxic concentration
Cautions
Specimens that are obtained from gel tubes or anticoagulate collections can cause assay interference.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
2 to 5 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
80299