Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum preferred)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 2-4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Optimize seizure control — ensure your levetiracetam dose stays in the therapeutic sweet spot
- Detect compliance or toxicity issues early — catch problems before they lead to breakthrough seizures
- No doctor's referral needed — order online and test at your convenience
- Fast results — get results within 2-4 days to guide treatment decisions
- Support kidney health monitoring — especially important since levetiracetam is eliminated through the kidneys
- Empower your chronic care — take charge of your epilepsy management with direct lab access
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults and children prescribed levetiracetam (Keppra) for epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Patients starting therapy or adjusting doses who want to confirm proper levels
- Individuals with kidney disease requiring closer medication monitoring
- Anyone experiencing breakthrough seizures or unexpected side effects on levetiracetam
- Patients seeking to verify medication compliance and therapeutic effectiveness
- People managing multiple anti-epileptic drugs who need coordinated monitoring
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online — no doctor's visit required; select your test and choose a convenient lab location
- Visit the lab — bring your lab order; a quick blood draw is collected just before your next dose
- Receive results — access your secure results online within 2-4 days and share with your care team
FAQ
What is levetiracetam? Levetiracetam (brand name Keppra) is a widely prescribed anti-epileptic medication used to control partial-onset seizures in adults and children.
Why monitor levetiracetam levels? Regular monitoring ensures your dose is effective without causing toxicity, helping optimize seizure control and identify compliance issues (Mayo Clinic 2025).
When should I get this test? Ideally when starting therapy, changing doses, experiencing breakthrough seizures, or if you have kidney problems affecting drug clearance.
Do I need to fast? No fasting is required; just schedule your blood draw right before your next scheduled dose for accurate trough levels.
What if my results are outside the normal range? Share results with your prescribing doctor immediately; levels outside 10–40 mcg/mL may require dose adjustment or clinical evaluation (Therapeutic Drug Monitoring 2022).
How accurate is this test? Highly accurate using LC-MS/MS technology with variability under 3%, providing reliable guidance for medication management.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Levetiracetam Serum Test measures the concentration of levetiracetam in your blood to ensure safe and effective seizure control. Therapeutic drug monitoring helps maximize the medication's benefits while minimizing side effects or toxicity. By tracking serum levels, you and your healthcare provider can confirm proper dosing, assess compliance, and detect potential issues early—especially important for patients with kidney disease or those experiencing unexpected symptoms (Mayo Clinic 2025).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is ideal for anyone prescribed levetiracetam, particularly individuals with epilepsy requiring ongoing therapy optimization. You'll benefit if you're starting treatment, adjusting doses, managing multiple anti-seizure medications, or experiencing breakthrough seizures. Patients with kidney dysfunction need closer monitoring since levetiracetam is eliminated renally. Pregnant women, elderly patients, and those reporting unusual side effects should also consider regular testing (NCBI StatPearls 2023).
When should I order this test?
Order when starting levetiracetam therapy to establish baseline levels, after any dose changes to confirm therapeutic range, or when experiencing breakthrough seizures despite treatment. Testing is also recommended if you suspect non-compliance, have kidney problems, are pregnant, or notice new side effects. Regular monitoring every 3–6 months supports long-term seizure management (Mayo Clinic 2025).
How do I interpret the results?
Below 10.0 mcg/mL
- Subtherapeutic — may not provide adequate seizure control
- Discuss dose increase with your doctor; check compliance
10.0–40.0 mcg/mL
- Therapeutic range — optimal for most patients
- Continue current dose; monitor symptoms and seizure activity
Above 40.0 mcg/mL
- Potentially toxic — increased risk of side effects
- Contact your doctor immediately; dose reduction may be needed
Some patients respond well outside the standard range; always interpret results with your healthcare provider considering your clinical symptoms and seizure history.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required. Schedule your blood draw immediately before your next scheduled levetiracetam dose to capture accurate trough levels. Continue taking your medication as prescribed unless your doctor instructs otherwise. For sustained-release formulations, collect at least 12 hours after your last dose. Stay well-hydrated and inform the lab if you're on multiple medications.
How often should I get tested?
- Starting therapy or new dose: Test after 1–2 weeks, then again at steady state (4–5 days)
- Stable, well-controlled seizures: Every 6–12 months
- Breakthrough seizures or side effects: Test immediately, then follow physician guidance
- Kidney disease or pregnancy: Every 3–6 months or more frequently
- Adding or changing other medications: Test within 1–2 weeks of the change
Why early detection matters
Regular monitoring can reduce breakthrough seizures and hospitalizations by up to 30% in high-risk populations. Approximately 3.4 million Americans have active epilepsy, and levetiracetam is among the most prescribed seizure medications. Early detection of subtherapeutic or toxic levels prevents emergency care costs, supports better quality of life, and empowers you to manage your condition proactively. Uncontrolled seizures carry risks including injury, cognitive impact, and psychological burden—making consistent monitoring essential.
Related tests you may consider
Valproic Acid Serum Test — useful if you're on multiple anti-seizure drugs to check interactions
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test — monitors for rare medication-induced blood disorders during chronic therapy
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) Test — broader metabolic and organ function assessment for overall health
