Ciclosporin (Cyclosporin)

Chemical Pathology

Notes

• Ciclosporin is an immunosuppressant drug used in the prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving transplants.
• Ciclosporin is also used in the treatment of some autoimmune diseases including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, nephrotic syndrome and ulcerative colitis.
• Ciclosporin levels are measured in order to establish the correct dose, maintain therapeutic levels and ensure that toxic levels are avoided.

Sample requirements

Samples should be taken just before the next dose (trough level)

For adults, blood taken into a 4mL EDTA tube.

For children, blood taken into a 2mL EDTA tube

Storage/transport

Send at ambient temperature to the laboratory. If unavoidable, sample can be stored refrigerated overnight.

Required information

Relevant clinical details including time post-dose and time sample taken (should be just before the next dose).

Turnaround times

Samples are sent for analysis at the Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) with results expected within 1 week.

Ciclosporin can be ordered as an urgent test if clinically indicated. If the laboratory is informed and appropriately-timed samples are received in the laboratory in the morning, results can be obtained by the end of the working day (Monday–Friday).

Therapeutic range

As for all immunosuppressive drug measurements, the interpretation of results must be made with regard to factors such as the method used to measure the drug, the time interval between the sample and the last dose, the clinical indication for the use of the drug, the duration of therapy and any other drug therapy.

Further information

To learn more about ciclosporin visit Lab Tests Online

Page last updated: 23/08/2022