Tacrolimus FK506 Test – Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
Understanding Tacrolimus FK506 Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
The Tacrolimus FK506 Test is an essential therapeutic drug monitoring procedure that plays a critical role in managing transplant patients’ immunosuppressive therapy. Tacrolimus is a potent immunosuppressant medication widely used to prevent organ rejection in patients who have undergone kidney, liver, heart, or other organ transplants. This test measures the concentration of tacrolimus in the blood to ensure patients maintain therapeutic levels that effectively prevent rejection while minimizing the risk of toxicity and adverse effects.
What Does the Tacrolimus FK506 Test Measure?
This specialized test precisely quantifies the concentration of tacrolimus (FK506) in whole blood samples. The test employs advanced Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technology, which provides exceptional accuracy and sensitivity in detecting even minute concentrations of the drug. The measurement focuses on trough levels – the lowest concentration of the drug in the bloodstream, typically measured just before the next scheduled dose. This timing is crucial because it represents the period when patients are most vulnerable to organ rejection if drug levels are insufficient.
Who Should Consider Tacrolimus FK506 Testing?
This test is essential for several patient populations and clinical situations:
- Transplant Recipients: All patients receiving tacrolimus therapy following organ transplantation require regular monitoring
- Patients with Suspected Toxicity: Individuals experiencing symptoms like tremors, headaches, hypertension, or kidney dysfunction
- Recent Transplant Patients: Those in the immediate post-transplant period when drug levels require frequent adjustment
- Patients with Changing Health Status: Individuals experiencing weight changes, liver function alterations, or concurrent illnesses
- Those Taking Interacting Medications: Patients on drugs that may affect tacrolimus metabolism
Clinical Symptoms and Indications
Patients should consider Tacrolimus FK506 testing if they experience:
- Neurological symptoms: tremors, headaches, insomnia, or confusion
- Gastrointestinal issues: nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
- Renal impairment: decreased kidney function or elevated creatinine levels
- Hypertension or electrolyte imbalances
- Signs of potential organ rejection
- Unexplained changes in overall health status
Benefits of Tacrolimus FK506 Therapeutic Monitoring
Regular monitoring of tacrolimus levels provides numerous clinical advantages:
- Optimal Dosing: Ensures patients receive the right dose to prevent rejection without toxicity
- Early Detection of Issues: Identifies potential problems before they become serious complications
- Personalized Treatment: Allows for individualized dosing based on each patient’s unique metabolism
- Improved Transplant Outcomes: Significantly enhances long-term transplant success rates
- Reduced Side Effects: Helps minimize adverse effects by maintaining therapeutic ranges
- Cost-Effective Care: Prevents expensive complications and hospitalizations
Advanced LC-MS/MS Methodology
Our Tacrolimus FK506 Test utilizes state-of-the-art Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which represents the gold standard in therapeutic drug monitoring. This advanced technology offers:
- Superior specificity and sensitivity compared to traditional methods
- Accurate quantification even at low concentration levels
- Minimal interference from other medications or substances
- Reliable results essential for critical dosing decisions
- Consistent performance across different patient populations
Understanding Your Test Results
Interpreting Tacrolimus FK506 levels requires careful consideration of multiple factors:
Therapeutic Ranges
Therapeutic targets vary depending on the type of transplant and time since transplantation:
- Early Post-Transplant: Typically higher target ranges (8-12 ng/mL)
- Maintenance Phase: Generally lower ranges (5-8 ng/mL)
- Specific Organ Protocols: Different targets for kidney, liver, heart, and other transplants
Clinical Interpretation
Your healthcare provider will consider:
- Subtherapeutic Levels: Increased risk of organ rejection requiring dose adjustment
- Supratherapeutic Levels: Higher risk of toxicity and adverse effects
- Individual Patient Factors: Age, kidney function, concurrent medications, and clinical status
- Trend Analysis: Patterns over time are often more important than single measurements
Test Pricing and Availability
| Test Name | Discount Price | Regular Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tacrolimus FK506 Test | $138 USD | $188 USD |
Sample Requirements and Timing
For accurate results, follow these collection guidelines:
- Sample Type: 3 mL (2 mL minimum) whole blood in Lavender Top (EDTA) tube
- Collection Timing: Just before the next scheduled dose (trough levels)
- Storage: Ship refrigerated – DO NOT FREEZE
- Required Information: Provide date and time of sampling, plus dose amount and timing
Turnaround Time
We offer efficient testing services with:
- Sample Submission: Daily by 5 PM
- Report Availability: Same day results
- Rapid Processing: Quick turnaround for timely clinical decisions
Nationwide Availability
General Genetics Corporation provides Tacrolimus FK506 testing services across the United States, with convenient locations in all major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose, and many more. Our nationwide network ensures accessible therapeutic drug monitoring for transplant patients throughout the country.
Specialized Care Team
Our testing services support healthcare providers including:
- Nephrologists: Managing kidney transplant recipients
- Transplant Surgeons: Overseeing post-operative care
- Gastroenterologists: Caring for liver transplant patients
- Other Specialists: Supporting various organ transplant programs
Book Your Tacrolimus FK506 Test Today
Ensure optimal therapeutic drug monitoring for successful transplant outcomes. Our experienced team is ready to assist you with convenient testing services and rapid results. Contact us now to schedule your Tacrolimus FK506 Test and take the next step toward effective medication management.
Call or WhatsApp: +1(267) 388-9828
Don’t wait to ensure proper tacrolimus levels – early monitoring can prevent serious complications and support long-term transplant success. Our dedicated team is available to answer your questions and help you schedule your test at a location convenient for you.
