Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Clinical utility
For therapeutic drug monitoring, everolimus is measured in blood to establish optimal dosing, ensure compliance and prevent toxicity.
Clinical significance
Everolimus is an mTOR inhibitor class of immunosuppressant drug used for the treatment of specific manifestation associated with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC): subependymal giant cell astrocytomas (SEGA), renal angiomyolipomas, and refractory seizures. Everolimus has a narrow therapeutic range, signifying the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring.
Specimen container paediatric:
Whole blood, Pink – EDTA
Specimen container adult:
Whole blood, Pink – EDTA
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL
Minimum volume adult:
0.5 mL
Special requirements:
A pre-dose (trough) sample is recommended
Sample stability:
Everolimus is stable for at least 12 weeks when stored at 4°C prior to analysis. For long-term storage, samples should be be frozen and stored at -20°C with stability of at least 6 months.
Transport requirements:
Ambient temperature
Freq Analysis:
Daily
Quality Assurance:
UK NEQAS
Interpretation:
Target therapeutic ranges may vary depending on clinical indication, concomitant immunosuppression, and individual patient needs.
Reference ranges:
- Therapeutic range: 3 – 8 µg/L
- Potential toxicity: >15 µg/L
Factors Affecting Result:
Therapeutic ranges are based on trough levels, i.e. blood drawn immediately before a scheduled dose. Blood drawn at other times will yield higher results.
Other Info:
Whole blood everolimus analysis is performed by LC-MS/MS.