Ganciclovir, Plasma
Use
The test for Ganciclovir levels in plasma is significant in monitoring therapeutic drug concentrations in patients being treated with Ganciclovir, an antiviral medication used primarily in the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, especially in immunocompromised patients such as those with HIV/AIDS or organ transplant recipients. Optimal therapeutic drug monitoring is critical because of the narrow therapeutic range and potential toxicity associated with Ganciclovir.
Special Instructions
It is important to note that specimens must be submitted as a single specimen per order to avoid mixing with other test orders. Utilization of EDTA tubes for collection is imperative, and the specimen must be sent in a plastic preservative-free vial. Proper centrifugation and storage instructions should be meticulously followed to ensure sample integrity.
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance characteristics were determined by NMS Labs. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which may limit its use to certain regulatory environments. Additionally, plasma gel tubes are not acceptable, and improper handling may lead to rejection or inaccurate results. Consideration must be given to potential interference or cross-reactivity with other substances, and the test is specific to ganciclovir without offering insights into other antiviral levels.
New York Approved
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 15367-6
- 15367-6
Result Turnaround Time
9-11 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
EDTA (lavender top) or pink top; submission in plastic preservative-free vial
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in EDTA (lavender top) or pink top tube(s). Plasma gel tube is not acceptable. Centrifuge and send 1 mL of plasma refrigerated in a preservative-free plastic vial.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated preferred; stable for 30 days. Ambient for 30 days and Frozen for 120 days.
Causes for Rejection
Polymer gel separation tube (SST or PST)
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 30 days |
| Refrigerated | 30 days |
| Frozen | 120 days |