Tacrolimus, Whole Blood
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
Patient samples are required to be whole blood. Trough levels are most reproducible, requiring careful timing of sample collection relative to dosing. Samples should be collected in lavender-top tubes containing EDTA.
Limitations
The presence of human antimouse antibodies in patients, due to previous monoclonal antibody treatments, may interfere with assay results, leading to falsely elevated or decreased tacrolimus levels. It is important to consider potential interactions with other medications such as cyclosporine, and to recognize that co-administered pharmaceuticals can alter tacrolimus blood levels.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 74097-7
- 74097-7
Result Turnaround Time
2-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Whole Blood
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA) tube
Patient Preparation
Trough levels are most reproducible.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Plasma or serum specimen