Tacrolimus, whole blood
Clinical Background:
Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant that is used to prevent rejection after solid organ transplantation. Studies have demonstrated that tacrolimus has clinical advantages over ciclosporin in terms o...
Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant that is used to prevent rejection after solid organ transplantation. Studies have demonstrated that tacrolimus has clinical advantages over ciclosporin in terms of reduced incidence of acute rejection with fewer side effects. Tacrolimus has a narrow therapeutic range with frequent adverse effects 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:
Trough sample is recommended
Trough sample is recommended
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Sample Stability:
Tacrolimus is stable for at least 12 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.
Tacrolimus is stable for at least 12 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 tacrolimus with C0 trough levels of 8 to 12 ng/mL. Preferred therapeutic ranges may vary by transplant type, length of time post-transplant and unit pro...
Read MoreMost individuals display optimal response to tacrolimus with C0 trough levels of 8 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.
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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