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Department

Toxicology

Preferred Sample Type

Lorazepam

Suitable Specimen Types

  • Serum
  • EDTA Plasma
  • Li Hep Plasma
500 ul of serum/plasma

Specimen Transport

Usual

Sample Processing in Laboratory

Centrifuge and place in toxicology box in cold room.

Sample Preparation

Centrifuge

Turnaround Time

3 working days

Sample Stability

4 ºC

Lorazepam

General Information

Lorazepam (Ativan) is a 3-hydroxy benzodiazepine, structurally related to oxazepam and temazepam, that has been used since 1971 as an anti-anxiety agent. It is available as the free base in 0.5 - 2 mg tablets for oral administration or a 2 - 4 mg/mL solution for parenteral injection. Adult daily oral doses of 1 - 10 mg are given in 1 - 2 portions, while i.v or i.m doses are typically in the range of 1 - 4 mg.

The adverse effects associated with lorazepam therapy include sedation, dizziness, weakness and unsteadiness. 

Patient Preparation

For TDM, sample should be taken prior to dose. If toxicity is suspected, take sample at earliest opportunity

Notes

Please avoid the use of gel seperator tubes.

Reference Range

0.02 - 0.25 mg/L

Specifications

  • EQA Scheme?: Yes
  • EQA Status: LGC QUARTZ, LGC CLIN TOX