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:
Topiramate is a very effective drug in the treatment of simple and complex partial seizures with and without generalization. It is also effective against myoclonic jerks. Topiramate is partly metabolised in the liver, partly excreted unchanged in the urine. The half-life is 20-30hours. Nevertheless it is most often administered twice a day. When administered together with inducing drugs the half-life falls to 15 hours. The drug is to some extent excreted in an unchanged form via the kidneys. In the case of elderly people, who perhaps have a reduced kidney function, a smaller dose should be given to avoid side effects. Topiramate has many side effects, such as dizziness, fatigue, ataxia, paraesthesia, confusion, abnormal thinking, agitation, amnesia, aphasia, depression, diplopia, nausea, anorexia, weight loss and kidney stones.
Specimen container paediatric:
0.5 mL
Specimen container adult:
0.5 mL
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 mL
Minimum volume adult:
2 mL
Reference ranges :
5 to 20 mg/L