Clinical laboratory diagnostics of immunosuppressants: One laboratory’s journey

Abstract

Laboratory support for the organ transplant patient is the provision of the best testing technology for a specific and accurate determination of immunosuppressive drug level. This translates to better management with the therapeutic cocktail of immunosuppressive drugs used with a lesser incidence of organ rejection and side effects. Over the years, development of automated immunoassay/chemistry test platforms with standardization of test protocols has demonstrated great improvements. The present clinical laboratory services with tandem mass spectrometry in our hospital present more precise and specific therapeutic drug monitoring so necessary still for the patient. This article follows the evolving testing technologies over the years for immunosuppressive drug monitoring following the organ transplants programme (renal in general) in Singapore General Hospital.