Tests
BBC Midlands Today
TPMT Test....
Following on from this story
follow this link to see the
work of our specialist TPMT Laboratory in monitoring patients starting on
azathioprine......
Thiopurine S-methyl transferase (TPMT) Service
We offer a TPMT activity assay service to UK laboratories and also take
referrals from outside the UK. Our TPMT assay carries the CE mark and has
been registered with the MHRA. Deficient results are confirmed in our DNA laboratory.
Our offer is very much a service rather than an assay. We have clear
policies for analysing samples for genotype - for example any patient
details where an indication that blood products have already been given is
analysed for TPMT activity and also genotype studies.
We continue to invest in this service to enable us to meet demand and
keep to our 1-2 day turn round, electronic reporting is available.
We jointly organise an international external quality assurance programme
for TPMT activity analysis in conjunction with UK NEQAS. If you would like to
consider participating in the pilot scheme then contact: tpmt@ukneqas.org.uk
Paper link:
Barlow NL, Graham V, Berg JD.
Expressing thiopurine S-methyltransferase activity as units per litre of
whole-blood overcomes misleading high results in patients with anaemia, Ann
Clin Biochem, ePub 1 July 2010
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Download user information leaflet for "TPMT Activity"
assay in use from 1st August 2010:
TPMT-1-09.pdf
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Test:
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Thiopurine S-methyl transferase (TPMT)
[E.C. 2.1.1.67]
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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 preferred
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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 TPMT is useful in the treatment of patients
with thiopurine drugs such as azathioprine, mercaptopurine and 6-thioguanine.
0.3 % of the population do not have this enzyme and can build up toxic
levels of the active metabolites. Another 10% have a medium activity and
may also need a lower dose than other patients. Information for patients
can be found at www.labtestsonline.org.uk
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Special Details:
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Patients
who have had a blood transfusion may give misleading results. This is
important as patients who may have had adverse affects due to azathioprine
may well have had blood transfusions.
DNA confirmatory analysis is carried out on deficient
results – there is no
additional charge for this service.
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Cost:
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£20
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Turnaround:
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1-2 working days with electronic reporting available
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External QA Scheme:
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Yes, UK NEQAS International QA programme
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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.
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Website:
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www.cityassays.org.uk
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Key Contacts/laboratory:
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Dr Nicola Barlow,
Clinical Biochemist
Tel: 0121 507 5205
Email:
nicola@cityassays.org.uk
Mrs Valerie Graham
BMS Supervisor
Tel: 0121 507 5345
Email:
val@cityassays.org.uk
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Head of Department:
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Dr Jonathan Berg 0121 507 5353
Email:
jonathan@cityassays.org.uk
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Further information
Additional background information here ...
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