Tacrolimus
Description:
Therapeutic drug monitoring for patients on immunosuppressant drugs. Analysis is by liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry. Assay run every day including weekends and bank holidays. For same-day analysis, samples must be received by the laboratory by 14:00 on weekdays, and 10:30 at weekends/bank holidays. If the sample is not received before 10.30, it will be analysed and the result reported the following day. Please give the laboratory prior notice by calling on 020 3299 3147 if you are sending urgent samples at the weekend/bank holiday. Normal weekday hours are Mon-Fri 09:00 – 17:00. Weekend and bank holiday working hours are 09:30-14:00 (except bank holiday Mondays which remain 09:00-17:30). Please send a request form with adequate patient information and clear contact details to enable efficient communication of results out of hours.
This test is not currently included in the laboratory's UKAS scope of accreditation to ISO15189:2012
This test is not currently included in the laboratory's UKAS scope of accreditation to ISO15189:2012
Clinical details:
Tacrolimus is a potent immunosuppressive agent which exerts its effect as a calcineurin inhibitor by inhibiting T cell activation. It is important to monitor the blood concentration of patients receiving tacrolimus due to its unpredictable pharmacokinetics and narrow therapeutic range. At toxic concentrations patients are susceptible, for example to nephrotoxicity and neurological problems. At sub-therapeutic dosage patients may experience transplant rejection.
Reference range:
Contact the laboratory. For clinical advice or interpretation of results please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Synonyms or keywords:
Immunosuppressant, FK, FK506, Tacrolimus
Units:
μg/L
Department:
Location:
Sample type and Volume required:
EDTA blood
Turnaround time:
1 day
Special sample instructions:
Trough sample (taken just prior to next dose) is recommended, or at least 10 hours post dose for twice daily dosing. For once-daily dosage, samples should be taken at least 20 hours after the last dose.
Storage and transport:
First class post. Samples should be received in the laboratory by 14:00 on weekdays and 10:30 on weekends and bank holidays for same-day results.
Contacts:
Immunosuppressive Drug Monitoring (IDM) Service
020 3299 3147
kch-tr.KCHIDMService@nhs.net
Institute of Liver Studies
3rd Floor Cheyne Wing
King's College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London
SE5 9RS
3rd Floor Cheyne Wing
King's College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London
SE5 9RS
Laboratory:
Contact: IDM Lab, 3rd Floor Cheyne Wing, King’s College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS. Telephone: 020 3299 3147.
Last updated: 13/02/2024
