Specimen:

Whole Blood

Collection Medium:

Minimum:

5 mL EDTA whole blood

Analytic Time:

5 days upon receipt at reference laboratory

Reference Range:

Therapeutic Range – 6-TGN: 235-400 pmole/8x10^8 RBC; 6-MMPN: <55,700 
pmole/8x10^8 RBC.

Routine monitoring of WBC and liver enzymes must be continued to assure 
optimized response while minimizing risk of leukopenia and drug-induced 
hepatotoxicity.   The target therapeutic range and target toxic 
thresholds were established in an IBD patient population receiving 
6-mercaptopurine or azathioprine.

Comments:

If specimen is refrigerated, specimen can be stored for seven days.

Record the following items on the requisition:
Date of Birth
Gender
Ordering Doctor's Name

Test
Limitations:

Test provides quantitative measurement of response/toxicity of 6MP.
Collect specimen three weeks after beginning the therapy or after dose 
adjustment.

Methodology:

High Pressure Liquid Chromatography

CPT Code:

82491(x2)