Sample type: Serum

Test name: Albendazole Sulfoxide

Condition / Indication: Prolonged therapy for the treatment of helminthic infections such as Hydatid disease (cystic or alveolar) or Parenchymal Neurocysticercosis.

Sample required: Approx. 1-2mL of separated serum (the minimum acceptable is 100µL). It is best to use a plain clotted blood tube for collection but if a gel tube is used it is important for the requesting laboratory to separate off the serum from this primary gel tube into a secondary tube as soon as possible. This is because the gel may bind the analyte which may result in an artificially lower result being obtained, interpreted and reported. Samples may be sent by post. Transport time must be <7 days. Please contact laboratory if in doubt as sample integrity may be affected. Samples must be sealed and packed to conform to current regulations. Leaking samples may not be processed.

Timing of samples: We recommend a 3-4 hours post dose sample.

Test information required: Patient name, sex, date of birth, Laboratory number, Dosage, frequency and timing of samples, Clinical Summary, Other medications (essential), Address for report, Phone number for report or email address for an electronic copy, Contact name, Appropriate hazard warnings

Results: Results will be telephoned or emailed on the day of receipt for samples received between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday. A written confirmation report will be sent by post.

Reference range: Post Dose 0.5-1.7mg/L ( 3 - 4 hours post). Albendazole should be taken with food which contains at least 20g of fat, to optimise absorption. If the level is outside the therapeutic range, consider whether this could be due to compliance or timing of blood sampling in relation to dose and consider repeating the sample. Consider dose reduction if levels >2.8mg/L at 4 hours post dose.

Container: Serum (Red top)

Ideal volume (mL): 1-2 mL

Referred outside NBT for analysis? No

Discipline: Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory

Turnaround time: <3 days