Biochemistry

Preferred Sample Type

Theophylline

Suitable Specimen Types

Serum

Theophylline

Specimen Volume

0.2 mL serum (Paed min.vol. 0.100 mL)

Sample Preparation

Centrifuge

Turnaround Time

24 hours

Sample Processing In Laboratory

Usual

Sample Stability

4 ºC

General Information

Theophylline is a methylxanthine derivative which is widely used in the treatment of asthma, obstructive lung disease and neonatal apnoea. The primary therapeutic effect of Theophylline is due to relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle; however, theophylline has a variety of other effects. These include stimulation of the central nervous system and medullary respiratory centres, decreased peripheral vascular resistance, cardiac stimulation, and diuresis.

The effect of Theophylline is closely correlated with concentration of the drug in serum. Toxic effects of Theophylline usually occur at concentrations above 20 mg/L in adults, although mild symptoms can occur above 15 mg/L. These effects include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, headaches and nervousness. Severe side effects such as increased cardiac rate, arrhythmia, cerebral seizures, and respiratory or cardiac arrest occur at concentrations above 40 mg/L, but may also occur at lower concentrations.

Monitoring of Theophylline concentrations in serum is essential, since individuals can vary in their rates of Theophylline clearance, and severe toxicity has been observed without prior occurrence of minor side-effects. e.g. premature infants have very low rates of theophylline elimination whilst smokers eliminate Theophylline rapidly.

Patient Preparation

Sample should taken pre-dose (trough level).

Notes

Not UKAS accreditated

Reference Range

Therapeutic range: 10-20 mg/L (Pre-dose)

  • Minimum time for patient to reach steady state without loading or after dosage change is 2 days

Specifications

  • EQA Status: NEQAS
  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

Link to Further Information

https://pinboard.in/u:duty_biochemist/t:theophylline/

Creation Date

Monday, 08 August 2011

Modification Date

Sunday, 27 January 2019

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University Hospitals Birmingham medical laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/

  • Molecular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8759
  • Biochemistry is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8910
  • Haematology and Transfusion is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8784
  • Clinical Microbiology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8760
  • Cellular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 10141
  • Musculoskeletal laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 9897
  • Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospital pathology laboratories are a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8217.

Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

For further test information, please visit the test database: http://qehbpathology.uk/test-database

For further information contact Louise Fallon, Quality Manager, 0121 371 5962