Sirolimus, whole blood
Clinical Background:
Sirolimus is an immunosuppressant drug that has a different mechanism of action to ciclosporin and tacrolimus and therefore can be used in addition to ciclosporin and tacrolimus or as a substitute ...
Sirolimus is an immunosuppressant drug that has a different mechanism of action to ciclosporin and tacrolimus and therefore can be used in addition to ciclosporin and tacrolimus or as a substitute in patients intolerant to these drugs. An advantage of using sirolimus is the lack of nephrotoxicity, especially in renal transplant patients, allowing for a reduction in the dose of ciclosporin. Adverse effects of sirolimus are generally concentration-dependent, making therapeutic drug monitoring essential for monitoring whole blood concentrations during therapy (particularly in individuals co-administered therapeutic drugs), adjusting dose to optimise immunosuppression while minimizing toxicity, and evaluating patient compliance.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Purple - EDTA
Purple - EDTA
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Pink - EDTA
Pink - EDTA
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Minimum Volume Adult:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
0.5 mL blood
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Special Requirement:
A trough sample is recommended.
A trough sample is recommended.
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Sample Stability:
Sirolimus is stable for at least 6 weeks when stored at 4°C prior to analysis.
For long-term storage, samples should be stored at -15°C with stability of at least 6 months.
Sirolimus is stable for at least 6 weeks when stored at 4°C prior to analysis.
For long-term storage, samples should be stored at -15°C with stability of at least 6 months.
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Transport Requirements:
Ambient temperature.
Ambient temperature.
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Quality Assurance:
International Proficiency Testing Scheme
International Proficiency Testing Scheme
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Interpretation:
Most individuals display optimal response to sirolimus trough levels of 4 to 12 ng/mL. Preferred therapeutic ranges may vary by transplant type, length of time post-transplant and unit protocols. P...
Read MoreMost individuals display optimal response to sirolimus trough levels of 4 to 12 ng/mL. Preferred therapeutic ranges may vary by transplant type, length of time post-transplant and unit protocols. Please contact the original transplant unit for organ-specific therapeutic ranges.
Therapeutic ranges are based on trough levels, i.e. blood drawn immediately before a scheduled dose. Blood drawn at other times will yield higher results. -
Reference Ranges:
Therapeutic ranges vary with type of transplant and length of time post transplant.
Therapeutic ranges vary with type of transplant and length of time post transplant.
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Factors Affecting Result:
Therapeutic ranges are based on trough levels, i.e. blood drawn immediately before a scheduled dose. Blood drawn at other times will yield higher results.
Therapeutic ranges are based on trough levels, i.e. blood drawn immediately before a scheduled dose. Blood drawn at other times will yield higher results.
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719 -
Routine Email:
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Specialist Test:
Yes
Yes