TEST ID THIO Thiopurine Metabolites, Whole Blood
Reporting Name
Thiopurine Metabolites, BSpecimen Type
Whole Blood EDTAOrdering Guidance
This specimen cannot be shared with testing for tacrolimus, cyclosporine, sirolimus or everolimus. Testing for these must be ordered separately and separate specimens submitted.
Shipping Instructions
Specimen must be shipped refrigerated.
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions: Send whole blood specimen in original tube. Do not aliquot, centrifuge, or freeze.
Specimen Minimum Volume
1.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Whole Blood EDTA | Refrigerated (preferred) | 8 days | |
Ambient | 24 hours |
Special Instructions
Testing Algorithm
A red blood cell (RBC) count is performed followed by determination of thiopurine metabolite values by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Values are utilized to calculate and report the final results (unit of measure: pmol/8 x 10[8] RBC) for 6-thioguanine nucleotides and 6-methylmercaptopurine derivative analyte.
For more information see:
-Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn Disease Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Algorithm
-TPMT Testing in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Algorithm
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Moderate hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Clotted | Reject |
Reference Values
6-Thioguanine Nucleotides (6-TGN): 235-450 pmol/8x10(8) red blood cell (RBC)
6-Methylmercaptopurine (6-MMP): Less than or equal to 5700 pmol/8x10(8) RBC
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Report Available
2 to 4 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in RochesterCPT Code Information
80299Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send Gastroenterology and Hepatology Test Request (T728) with the specimen
Useful For
Aids physicians in dose adjustments, minimizing dose-dependent toxicity, and monitoring compliance of thiopurine drug therapy