Keppra
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Levetiracetam is a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug (AED) used for the treatment of partial-onset seizures, generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and myoclonic seizures. Its mechanism of action is unique among AED binding to synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), it modulates neurotransmitter release and reduces neuronal excitability. Unlike many traditional AEDs, levetiracetam is not significantly metabolized by the liver, does not induce or inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, and is primarily excreted renally. This pharmacokinetic profile results in minimal drug-drug interactions, making it an attractive option for patients on multiple medications.
Clinically, levetiracetam is favored for its ease of use, rapid titration, and favorable safety profile. It is well tolerated in most patients, with common side effects including fatigue, dizziness, and behavioral changes such as irritability or mood swings—particularly in pediatric and elderly populations. Routine therapeutic drug monitoring is generally not required but may be considered in cases of renal impairment, suspected non-adherence, or during pregnancy. Its intravenous formulation also makes it useful in acute care and inpatient settings, including for seizure prophylaxis in neurosurgical patients.
Reference:
Patsalos, P. N., & Perucca, E. (2003). Clinically important drug interactions in epilepsy: interactions between antiepileptic drugs and other drugs. The Lancet Neurology, 2(8), 473–481. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(03)00409-4
Statement on Medical Necessity
All ordered tests should be medically necessary for the diagnosis or detection of disease, illness, impairment, symptom, syndrome, or disorder and the results should be used in the medical management and treatment decisions for the patient. Solaris requires ICD-10 codes with each order for lab testing and both the tests ordered and the diagnosis should be documented in the provider’s medical record for the patient. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, takes the position that a provider who orders medically unnecessary tests may be subject to civil penalties.
Panels and Profiles
Solaris offers Providers the convenience of ordering test combinations in a group at times with the flexibility to choose appropriate test(s) for individual patients. Providers should only order those tests that he or she believes are medically necessary for each patient, and a lesser inclusive profile or individual tests should be ordered if not all tests in the test combination/profile are medically necessary. All tests offered in a test combination/profile may be ordered separately as individual tests. Solaris encourages clients to contact their Solaris representative if the testing configurations shown do not meet individual needs for any reason, or if some other combination of procedures is needed.
CPT Codes
CPT Codes listed are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are the responsibility of the billing party and are listed here for informational purposes. Correct coding may vary from one carrier to another. Solaris may bill specific carriers using codes other than what is shown.
For questions or inquiries related to testing please reach out to
customerservice@solarisdx.com or contact us by phone at (844) 550-0308.
Contact Information
Helpful Links
