Tacrolimus, Immunoassay
Also known as: FK506, Prograf®, Protopic®
Use
Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug that is believed to prevent rejection in transplantation patients. Measurement of tacrolimus blood levels may be of use in monitoring patients receiving this drug.
Special Instructions
For patients requiring the preferred methodology of liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS) for tacrolimus measurement, order test 700248.
Limitations
Patient samples may contain heterophilic antibodies that can react in immunoassays, potentially causing falsely elevated or depressed results. Antibodies to β-galactosidase may also lead to falsely elevated results inconsistent with clinical evaluation. Different drugs and foods, such as certain antibiotics and grapefruit juice, can alter tacrolimus levels, necessitating careful monitoring.
Methodology
Immunoassay
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 74096-9
- 74096-9
Result Turnaround Time
1-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Collection Instructions
Specimens collected in EDTA tubes may be stored for seven days at 2°C to 8°C prior to being tested.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Plasma or serum specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 2 months |