Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Serum
- Li Hep
Specimen Transport
Sample sent via post to referral laboratorySample Processing in Laboratory
Sample separated and sent to referral laboratorySample Preparation
Sample collected into SST tube or Lithium Heparin tubeTurnaround Time
3 weeksSample Stability
Stable at 4C, If transport is going to be delayed by > 5 days, freeze at -20°C and send by first class post at a later date.Infliximab drug monitoring
General Information
Measurement of Infliximab is a useful tool in the management of patients who fail to respond ( primary failure) or lose response ( secondary failure) to treatment. Monitoring drug levels allows for a personalised approach to drug optimisation by appropriate dose escalation/de-escalation or drug switching/withdrawal. Measured as part of Infliximab profile which includes anti drug antibodies. Assay also measures biosimilars Remsima and Inflectra. Specific request form is required for this assay download from: http://www.viapath.co.uk/sites/default/files/upload/News/Anti-TNF%20request%20formv6.pdf
Patient Preparation
No specific preparation required.
Notes
Infliximab is a chimeric (mouse-human) monoclonal antibody which specifically targets tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Infliximab is licensed for use in Gastroenterology (Crohn's diseases, ulcerative colitis), Rheumatology (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis) and Dermatology (sever plaque psoriasis). Infliximab is only indicated in patients with severe disease which is refractory to conventional therapeutic approaches.
Reference Range
Please use drug levels as a guide. Infliximab Interpretation: Therapeutic drug levels: >2 µg/mL Intermediate drug levels: 1.0 – 2.0 µg/mL Subtherapeutic drug levels: < 1.0 µg/mL Test interpretation requires full clinical information: drug dosage/frequency, previous exposure to other biologics, time of sampling, duration of therapy and clinical assessment.
Source of Reference Range
Supplied by reference laboratorySpecifications
- EQA Scheme?: No
- EQA Status: No EQA scheme available.