Hydroxychloroquine, Whole Blood
Also known as: HCQ for long-term retinopathy evaluation, HCQ for lupus and other autoimmune patients, Plaquenil
Use
This assay measures the whole blood concentration of hydroxychloroquine. Monitoring HCQ may improve adherence, and whole blood HCQ concentrations may be useful in titrating dose to achieve maximal clinical benefit in lupus while minimizing long-term retinal toxicity in lupus and other chronic autoimmune diseases.
Special Instructions
This assay which measures whole blood HCQ is the preferred assay for evaluation of lupus and other autoimmune patients on daily hydroxychloroquine. This test should be ordered after 3 to 6 months of daily HCQ to assess daily dosage in lupus where drug action and efficacy are cumulative.
Limitations
This test should be ordered after 3 to 6 months of daily HCQ to assess daily dosage in lupus, RA, and other autoimmune diseases.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 95921-3
- 95921-3
Result Turnaround Time
7-10 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
1.0 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Collection Instructions
Collect whole blood into lavender-top (EDTA) tube. Refrigerate immediately.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate.
Causes for Rejection
Frozen specimens; gross hemolysis; clotted specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 15 days |
| Refrigerated | 15 days |