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Tacrolimus, Immunoassay
Message**This test is not available for New York patient testing**
Test Code
TACARC or 13686
CPT Codes
80197
Preferred Specimen
2 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Label specimen with both the time of collection and the last drug administration. Transport whole blood (EDTA).
Since the therapeutic ranges also vary according to the commercial test used, consistent use of one assay for individual patients is recommended.
Since the therapeutic ranges also vary according to the commercial test used, consistent use of one assay for individual patients is recommended.
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 30 days
Methodology
Immunoassay
Setup Schedule
Sun-Sat
Report Available
1-2 days
Reference Range
See Laboratory Report
Clinical Significance
Quantitative determination of Tacrolimus in Human Whole Blood is used as an aid in the management of Liver and Kidney allograft patients receiving Tacrolimus therapy.
Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug has been shown to be effective for treatment of organ rejection following liver and kidney transplantation. Clinical studies are in progress regarding its use in other indications. Tacrolimus is bound to proteins, mainly albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and is highly bound to erythrocytes. Pharmacokinetics studies indicated that whole blood serves as the more appropriate medium to describe the pharmacokinetic properties of Tacrolimus. Tacrolimus is extensively metabolized in the liver and small intestine and nine of its metabolites have been identified. The use of Tacrolimus is associated with serious toxic side effects e.g. nephrotoxicity. Other side effects include neurotoxicity, insomnia and nausea.
Note:
Numerous factors contribute to variable requirements for optimal blood levels of Tacrolimus e.g. the complexity of the clinical state, individual differences in sensitivity to immunosuppressive and nephrotoxic effects of Tacrolimus, co-administration of other immunosuppressants, type of transplant, and time after transplant. Therefore, no firm therapeutic range exists for Tacrolimus in whole blood. Since the therapeutic ranges also vary according to the commercial test used, consistent use of one assay for individual patients is recommended.
Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressive drug has been shown to be effective for treatment of organ rejection following liver and kidney transplantation. Clinical studies are in progress regarding its use in other indications. Tacrolimus is bound to proteins, mainly albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, and is highly bound to erythrocytes. Pharmacokinetics studies indicated that whole blood serves as the more appropriate medium to describe the pharmacokinetic properties of Tacrolimus. Tacrolimus is extensively metabolized in the liver and small intestine and nine of its metabolites have been identified. The use of Tacrolimus is associated with serious toxic side effects e.g. nephrotoxicity. Other side effects include neurotoxicity, insomnia and nausea.
Note:
Numerous factors contribute to variable requirements for optimal blood levels of Tacrolimus e.g. the complexity of the clinical state, individual differences in sensitivity to immunosuppressive and nephrotoxic effects of Tacrolimus, co-administration of other immunosuppressants, type of transplant, and time after transplant. Therefore, no firm therapeutic range exists for Tacrolimus in whole blood. Since the therapeutic ranges also vary according to the commercial test used, consistent use of one assay for individual patients is recommended.
Performing Laboratory
med fusion
