Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Theophylline and the related methylxanthines share several pharmacological actions with potential therapeutic applications. They relax smooth muscle so relieving or preventing bronchoconstriction. They also stimulate the CNS, cardiac muscle and act on the kidney to produce a diuresis.Theophylline is used to treat asthma and stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease predominantly in small children and the elderly who have difficulty in using inhalers and in patients with predominantly nocturnal symptoms.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Specimen container adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL blood
Special requirements:
Trough sample recommended
Sample stability:
Unseparated sample:
unknown
Separated sample:
unknown at 15 to 25°C,
7 days at 2 to 8°C,
60 days at -20°C
Reference ranges:
Adult Therapeutic Range: 10 to 20 mg/L
Other info:
Lithium heparin sample also acceptable