Keep cold on ice. Do not spin. Keep as whole blood.
Stability:
8 days ambient or 30 days refrigerated. Unstable frozen.
Standard Volume:
5 mL whole blood.
Transport:
Refrigerated.
Comments:
TPMT Genetics helps classify patients as one of three genotypes: homozygous normal (wild type), heterozygous or homozygous recessive. Because each patient metabolizes thiopurines differently, the efficacy and toxicity of thiopurines can vary widely from patient to patient. Knowledge of the TPMT genotype may reduce time to response, allow physicians to individualize dosing, identify patients in whom thiopurine therapy should be avoided and help reduce the risk of leukopenia.