Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 4–10 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Monitor aripiprazole (Abilify®) therapy to help optimize treatment
- Evaluate whether medication levels are within the expected therapeutic range
- Support dosage adjustments while minimizing the risk of side effects
- Assess medication adherence when treatment response is uncertain
- Convenient therapeutic drug monitoring without a doctor's referral
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults and adolescents prescribed aripiprazole for mental health conditions
- Individuals with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or other conditions treated with aripiprazole
- People experiencing inadequate symptom control despite treatment
- Those experiencing side effects that may be related to medication levels
- Individuals whose healthcare provider recommends therapeutic drug monitoring
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit a convenient lab location near you.
- Provide a blood sample through a quick, standard blood draw.
- Receive your results within 4–10 business days through your secure online portal.
FAQ
What does this test measure? This test measures the concentration of aripiprazole in your blood. It is used for therapeutic drug monitoring to help determine whether your medication level is appropriate for effective treatment.
Do I need to fast before the test? No. Fasting is not required.
When should my blood be drawn? For the most consistent results, the blood sample should ideally be collected immediately before your next scheduled dose (a trough level), unless your healthcare provider instructs otherwise.
Can I take my medication before the test? Continue taking your medication as prescribed unless your healthcare provider gives different instructions. If a trough level is requested, wait until after your blood draw to take your next scheduled dose.
What do abnormal results mean? Blood levels that are lower than expected may indicate insufficient medication exposure, while higher levels may increase the risk of side effects. Results should always be interpreted together with your symptoms, dosage, and medical history by your healthcare provider.
How often should this test be performed? Testing frequency varies depending on your treatment plan. Your healthcare provider may order testing when starting therapy, after dose adjustments, when evaluating side effects, or when monitoring long-term treatment.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Aripiprazole Blood Test measures the amount of aripiprazole in your bloodstream. Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (as an adjunct to antidepressants), irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder, and Tourette syndrome.
Therapeutic drug monitoring helps healthcare providers determine whether blood concentrations are appropriate for treatment. Because individuals metabolize aripiprazole differently, two people taking the same dose may have very different blood levels. Measuring the medication level can help guide dosage adjustments and improve treatment outcomes.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test may benefit individuals who:
- Have recently started aripiprazole therapy
- Have had a recent dose adjustment
- Are not responding to treatment as expected
- Are experiencing possible medication-related side effects
- Take medications that may interact with aripiprazole metabolism
- Need confirmation of consistent medication exposure
Healthcare providers may also order this test for individuals with liver impairment or other conditions that can affect drug metabolism.
When should I order this test?
You may benefit from this test if your healthcare provider wants to evaluate whether your aripiprazole dose is appropriate, investigate treatment failure, monitor side effects, or confirm medication adherence. Blood collection is generally recommended immediately before your next scheduled dose to obtain the most reproducible trough concentration.
How do I interpret the results?
Results report the concentration of aripiprazole present in your blood sample.
- Within the expected therapeutic range: May indicate appropriate medication exposure when considered alongside your clinical response.
- Below the expected range: May suggest inadequate drug exposure due to factors such as missed doses, rapid metabolism, or insufficient dosage.
- Above the expected range: May increase the likelihood of dose-related side effects, although some individuals tolerate higher concentrations without problems.
Disclaimer: There is no single therapeutic level that is appropriate for every patient. Results should always be interpreted by your healthcare provider in conjunction with your symptoms, diagnosis, medication dosage, and overall clinical condition.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for this test. For the most consistent and clinically useful results, schedule your blood draw immediately before your next scheduled dose of aripiprazole (a trough level) unless your healthcare provider instructs otherwise. Continue taking your medication as prescribed, and do not stop or change your dose without medical guidance. Stay well hydrated before your appointment and wear clothing that allows easy access to your arm for the blood draw.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your treatment plan and your healthcare provider's recommendations.
- After starting aripiprazole therapy
- Following dosage changes
- When evaluating treatment response
- When side effects develop
- Periodically during long-term therapy when therapeutic drug monitoring is appropriate
Why therapeutic drug monitoring matters
Aripiprazole blood levels can vary considerably between individuals because of differences in metabolism, genetics, age, liver function, and interactions with other medications. Therapeutic drug monitoring provides objective information that can help healthcare providers optimize dosing, improve treatment effectiveness, reduce adverse effects, and support safe long-term management.
Related Tests You May Consider
Antipsychotic Drug Profile Blood Test – Screens for several commonly prescribed antipsychotic medications, including chlorpromazine, clozapine, fluphenazine, haloperidol, mesoridazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promazine, promethazine, thioridazine, and trifluoperazine.
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) Blood Test – Evaluates liver and kidney function, which can affect medication metabolism.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Blood Test – Provides an overall assessment of blood cell health and may be ordered alongside psychiatric medication monitoring.
