We offer a service for 6-thioguainine nucleotides (6-TGN) to assess the
therapeutic levels of active metabolites of thioguanine drugs such as
azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine and
6-thioguanine.
We are currently working on methods more applicable for routine use of
this assay. Experience from around the world suggests that demand for this
assay will increase. The assay is particularly relevant to determine the
correct treatment regimes in patients who have TPMT heterozygous status.
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Test:
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6-Thioguanine Nucleotides (6-TGN)
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Laboratory
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Clinical Biochemistry, City Hospital Birmingham
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Specimen Type:
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4ml EDTA
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Storage:
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4oC prior to posting
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Posting Details:
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First class post - our laboratory opens post on a Saturday
so samples sent on Friday should be handled appropriately.
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Posting Address:
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Department of Clinical Biochemistry, City Hospital, Dudley
Road, Birmingham B18 7QH
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Clinical Use:
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Assessment of the
therapeutic levels of thioguainine drugs that are being achieved. Of particular use in patients
who are heterozygous for the TPMT enzyme where reduced dose regimes are
being used or where it is unclear that therapeutic levels are being
achieved.
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Special Details:
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It is suggested that the level of 6-TGNs is checked 4 weeks after
commencing/changing the
thiopurine drug dose as by this time steady state levels should have been
achieved. Time of sampling need not be related to the time of administration of the parent drug.
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Cost:
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£29 for UK and Euro 40 for rest of Europe
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Turnaround:
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4 working days or less
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External QA Scheme:
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In house QC at present with
external QA under development
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CPA Accredited Lab/Test:
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Yes
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CE Marking:
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This internal assay at City Hospital carries a CE mark
(from July 2006).
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Website:
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www.cityassays.org.uk
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Key Contact:
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Dr Loretta Ford 0121 507 5345
e-mail: loretta.ford@swbh.nhs.uk
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Head of Department:
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Dr Jonathan Berg 0121 507 5353
e-mail: jonathan.berg@swbh.nhs.uk
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