AsseyMethod: RIA
Abbrevation: Cyclosporine
Sector: Hormone
SampleType: WB-EDTA
S.Vol: 1
Transport: at 2-8˚c, -20˚c
Storage: 1 day at 2-8˚c for longer time at -20˚c
Test Name: Cyclosporine
Normal Range: In renal transplant:100-200 In Liver & cardiac:100-400 In bone maroow:200-400 Toxic values:≥400
To determine the concentration of ciclosporin in your blood in order to establish a dose regime, maintain therapeutic levels, and detect toxic levels
As soon as ciclosporin therapy begins, usually daily or 2-3 times a week, and periodically after that as dose is adjusted or maintained
A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm
None. Typically drawn 12 hours after the last dose; on mornings when you are scheduled to have your ciclosporin level checked, do not take the medicine until after your blood is drawn.
This test measures the amount of ciclosporin in the blood. Ciclosporin is an immunosuppressive drug used to dampen the body’s natural defences. When patients have an organ transplant, their immune system recognises the new organ as a foreign substance and will begin to attack it just as it would any invasive bacteria or virus. Ciclosporin affects the ability of certain white blood cells in the immune system to respond to this foreign tissue . The transplanted organ then has a better chance of survival and will not be as easily rejected by the patient’s system. Ciclosporin is used routinely in the transplantation of kidney, heart, liver, and other organs.
The immunosuppressive qualities of ciclosporin have also been found to be useful in treating symptoms of some autoimmune disease and other disorders. Ciclosporin helps to control the immune response in these cases, decreasing the severity of symptoms. These disorders include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, severe eczema, aplastic anaemia, and ulcerative colitis.
When the symptoms in these cases are judged to be severe, extensive, and disabling, ciclosporin may be prescribed. Usually, the symptoms have not responded well to other treatments or medications. Ciclosporin is used with caution in these cases and needs to be carefully monitored with regular blood tests to detect changes in kidney function.
Testing ciclosporin levels in the blood can help ensure that drug levels are in a range that will be therapeutic for you. If the level is too low, the body may reject the organ (in the case of transplantation) or symptoms may reappear (autoimmune cases). It is also important to ensure levels are not too high and will not result in toxicity.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed. Samples are typically drawn 12 hours after the last dose. On mornings when someone is scheduled to have their ciclosporin level checked, the person should not take the medicine until after their blood is drawn.