Additional Information:
Specimens from patients who have circulating human antimouse (HAMA) as a result of having received mouse monoclonal antibodies may give falsely elevated or depressed results in this assay.
CPT Code(s):
80197
Specimen Requirements:
- Container- Lavender top
- Specimen Type- Whole blood
- Minimum volume – 1 ml
- Storage/stability – Refrigerated (2 – 8°C): 14 days
- Epic order code: Lab876
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.
Methodology:
Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS-MS).
Reported:
3 – 5 days
Reference Values:
Clinical studies have shown that patients administered 0.07 mg/kg Prograf® obtain an optimal response to the drug at the following trough levels:
Trough (immediately following transplant): 15.0 ng/mL
Trough (steady-state, two weeks or more after transplant): 3.0−8.0 ng/mL