Cyclosporine, Whole Blood
Also known as: Gengraf®, Neoral®, Restasis®, Sandimmune®
Use
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive agent used to control organ transplant rejection, particularly for liver, heart, or kidney transplants. It functions by inhibiting immunocompetent lymphocytes, with a preference for T-helper cells, making it critical for post-transplant management. Monitoring blood levels is essential due to cyclosporine's narrow therapeutic window and variable pharmacokinetics, to prevent toxicity such as renal failure and other complications.
Special Instructions
Consistent laboratory testing methodology is advised for patient samples to ensure reliable results, as different methods and cyclosporine antibodies can affect outcomes. Monitoring trough levels is recommended for reproducibility.
Limitations
This test has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. Cyclosporine blood levels cannot be accurately predicted solely from dosing schedules due to its complex and variable pharmacokinetics. Renal toxicity, including renal failure, is a major risk, necessitating concurrent monitoring of renal function. Method variability may affect results; specimens should ideally be analyzed at a single laboratory.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 55805-6
- 55805-6
Result Turnaround Time
2-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Patient Preparation
Trough levels are most reproducible.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |