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Tacrolimus Test

Dr. Abhishtita MudunuriLast Updated on 11th February 2022

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant drug used for prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving transplants, this drug is also used for treatment of some autoimmune disorders. Tacrolimus test measures tacrolimus blood levels in the patients receiving tacrolimus especially after organ transplantation. It measures whether the concentration of tacrolimus is near the therapeutic level and below the toxic levels. It is essential for the patients who are co-administered with CYP3A4 substrates, inhibitors, or inducers. When it is administered in the body, its concentration rises gradually and reaches a peak within a couple of hours. Then the concentration of tacrolimus reduces after excretion from the body. Tacrolimus test measures this change termed as trough level in the blood.

What is the Tacrolimus test used for? What is included in the Tacrolimus test?Procedure for Tacrolimus test How to prepare for the Tacrolimus test?Things to consider after the Tacrolimus test is complete What types of conditions can the Tacrolimus test detect?How much does the Tacrolimus test cost?What do abnormal tacrolimus test results indicate?Why book the tacrolimus test?Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the Tacrolimus test used for?

The tacrolimus test must be performed before changing its dose during immunosuppressive therapy. It helps diagnose side effects, toxicity, or organ rejection in the patients. The toxic levels of tacrolimus can result in many bacterial, viral, and protozoal infections since tacrolimus weakens the immune system.Tacrolimus levels can increase in the body, resulting in kidney failure or a highly weakened immune system. Hence, the patient becomes prone to several acute or chronic infections.

What is included in the Tacrolimus test?

Tacrolimus test detects the concentration of tacrolimus in the blood sample. It is an immunosuppressive drug given to a patient post heart, liver, or kidney transplantation. Tacrolimus drug can be used with the combination of corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil. It is delivered mainly to the stomach and small intestine for rapid absorption over a small proportion of the upper gastrointestinal tract. During early post-transplantation, the optimum level of tacrolimus in the blood must be 10-15 ng/ml, followed by 5-10 ng/ml consequently. These levels can vary depending on the dosage, the timing of the test, and when the sample was drawn. This test is performed by a certified lab technician using tandem mass spectroscopy or liquid chromatography.

Procedure for Tacrolimus test

Tacrolimus test must be regularly performed post kidney, heart, or lungs transplantation. After establishing a proper dosage in the body, the tacrolimus test can be performed once in two to three weeks.

The lab technician collects the required blood sample from the vein by inserting a needle. The collected blood sample is stored in a test tube.

When the needle is inserted into the vein, you might feel a sting but the pain reduces immediately.

The lab technician analyses the blood sample in the laboratory with the help of tandem mass spectroscopy or liquid chromatography.

After the analysis, the tacrolimus test reports will be available on the MFine app within 24-48 hours.

Book a tacrolimus test to check your tacrolimus level!

How to prepare for the Tacrolimus test?

No specific preparations are required before the tacrolimus test. The ideal sampling time for the tacrolimus test is just before the next dose, termed as trough levels In case you are under some medications, you must inform your doctor prior. You must avoid the consumption of grapefruit, herbs, and vitamin supplements since they can either enhance or inhibit the action of the enzyme in your body. It reduces the risks of the interaction of tacrolimus with other medications inside your body.

Things to consider after the Tacrolimus test is complete

After receiving the results of the Tacrolimus test, you must consult your doctor regarding the content of tacrolimus in your blood. In case of a lower concentration of tacrolimus or any side effects of the drug, you must avoid self-diagnosis of your health condition under any conditions. After the tacrolimus test, you must not consume non-prescribed medicines and vitamin supplements. You must protect your skin while going outdoors. If you are undergoing a regular tacrolimus test, consume only the prescribed medications.

*What types of conditions can the Tacrolimus test detect?

Tacrolimus test detects the toxicity or lower concentration of tacrolimus in the blood. It is essential to adjust the dose in the patient before it reaches the toxic level. The Tacrolimus test doesn’t indicate any infection in the body. If the tacrolimus concentration in the body is less than 5ng/ml, it can result in a high risk of graft rejection by your body, demonstrated by various symptoms. A high level of tacrolimus (above 20 ng/ml) in the body indicates the risk of the body against many infections. The toxic levels and a lower concentration of tacrolimus are equally harmful for your body post-transplantation.

How much does the Tacrolimus test cost?*

The cost of the Tacrolimus test varies from city to city. However, the starting price of the test is ₹ 2800. From the below table, you can book the tacrolimus test:

City	Test price starting from
Tacrolimus Cost in Delhi	₹ 2800
Tacrolimus Cost in Gurugram / Gurgaon	₹ 2800
Tacrolimus Cost in Noida	₹ 2800
Tacrolimus Cost in Faridabad	₹ 2800
Tacrolimus Cost in Ghaziabad	₹ 2800
Tacrolimus Cost in Chandigarh	₹ 3000
Tacrolimus Cost in Navi-mumbai	₹ 3150
Tacrolimus Cost in Chennai	₹ 3200
Tacrolimus Cost in Rohtak	₹ 3200
Tacrolimus Cost in Visakhapatnam-vizag	₹ 3825
Tacrolimus Cost in Bangalore / Bengaluru	₹ 3825
Tacrolimus Cost in Ahmedabad	₹ 3825
Tacrolimus Cost in Hyderabad	₹ 3825
Tacrolimus Cost in Kolkata	₹ 3825
Tacrolimus Cost in Indore	₹ 3825
Tacrolimus Cost in Pune	₹ 3825
Tacrolimus Cost in Mumbai	₹ 3825
Tacrolimus Cost in Thane	₹ 3825
Tacrolimus Cost in Amritsar	₹ 3825
Tacrolimus Cost in Coimbatore	₹ 3825

*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.

How long does it take to get the results for the Tacrolimus test?

You can expect to get the results for the tacrolimus test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer. You can opt for the online consultation of your test results with an experienced doctor.

What do abnormal tacrolimus test results indicate?

The tacrolimus test must have indicated the optimum concentration of tacrolimus in your blood ranging from 5 to 15 ng/ml. Many studies have revealed that just after renal transplantation, 10 ng/ml tacrolimus must be administered in the body for two to three weeks. Further, this concentration must be decreased. The toxic levels of tacrolimus are around 30ng/ml in blood. Such toxic levels can lead to the rejection of kidneys by your body. High levels of tacrolimus can interact with chemotherapy drugs, diuretics, and birth control pills. The therapeutic ranges of tacrolimus are based on the samples drawn immediately before the scheduled dose (trough). An increase in the levels of tacrolimus also affects the serum creatinine level in your body, resulting in various symptoms.

Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports

Is Tacrolimus a definitive test?

Tacrolimus test can detect the trough level of tacrolimus. This also detects the symptoms related to the side effects of tacrolimus (if any). Still, it is not a definite test since it cannot diagnose the problems associated with a lower or higher concentration of tacrolimus. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor to understand the problem and get an early diagnosis of the condition of your kidneys. This test only determines the concentration of tacrolimus but doesn’t indicate the interaction of tacrolimus with other immunosuppressive medications. The results of the tacrolimus test can also vary based on the amount of food in your body, infection, or any genetic abnormality.

How to read the tacrolimus report?

Whole blood rather than just blood plasma is analyzed to detect the trough level of tacrolimus in the body. Trough level means immediately before the administration of the next dose of tacrolimus. Target steady-state concentration of tacrolimus varies on the time from transplantation, type of graft, risk of rejection, and various side effects. In the blood, the optimum trough concentration of tacrolimus is between 5 to 15 ng/ml after transplantation. So, tacrolimus concentration in the patients must be below 20 ng/ml. If the sample reaches a higher concentration in the body (around 36 ng/ml), it is indicative of toxicity that can result in kidney failure or immune suppression. So, your doctor can reduce the concentration of tacrolimus in your body before the risk of graft rejection. After getting the reports of the tacrolimus test, you must have an online consultation with a senior doctor just before the next dose of tacrolimus during immunosuppressive therapy.

Book a tacrolimus test to check your tacrolimus level!

Why book the tacrolimus test?

You must undergo frequent tacrolimus tests post kidney, liver, or heart transplantation to regulate the level of tacrolimus during immunosuppressive therapy. The trough levels or the concentration of tacrolimus just before the administration of the next dose is highly necessary. Lower levels of tacrolimus (less than 10 ng/ml) result in acute rejection of the transplanted organ by the body during early post-transplantation. The fluctuations in tacrolimus levels in your body can also result in hyperkalemia (high potassium in the blood), nerve problems.

Tacrolimus test at home – how does it work?

The tacrolimus test is just like any other blood test. A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The lab technician first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The lab technician then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.

Are there any risks involved with the tacrolimus test?

Tacrolimus test is a blood test. There is no risk involved with it since the blood samples are collected by the professionals using a sterile disposable syringe. The blood is collected in tubes and incubated at appropriate temperatures to avoid any errors in the test results. The tacrolimus test is specific for tacrolimus. Hence, it cannot cross-react with other drugs like cyclosporine, cyclosporine metabolites, sirolimus, or tacrolimus metabolites. You cannot detect the interaction of tacrolimus with these drugs.

What can affect the results of the tacrolimus test?

Tacrolimus inhibits calcineurin to suppress T-cells of your immune system, thus acting as an immunosuppressive drug. It is metabolized by CYP3A4. The concentration of tacrolimus in your body can be affected by the factors that inhibit or enhance this enzyme. Calcium channel blockers, grapefruit, some antibiotics, and antifungal agents inhibit the activity of tacrolimus. Anticonvulsants and rifampin can enhance the activity of tacrolimus. If you are fasting, then it increases the concentration of tacrolimus in your body. When your stomach is full of food, it decreases the absorption of tacrolimus in the blood.

Book a Tacrolimus test to check your Tacrolimus level!

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Frequently Asked Questions | FAQs

Is the lab technician coming for tacrolimus test sample collection vaccinated?

Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask, gloves, and frequently sanitizing themselves during the sample collection.

Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?

Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.

How can I download my tacrolimus test report?

Login to MFine
Go to your profile
Click on Attachment and Reports
Click on Lab Report
Download the report

Are there any discount offers running on the tacrolimus test?

Usually you can avail of up to 50% discount on tacrolimus test through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.

What foods can affect tacrolimus level in my body?

Food containing high levels of potassium can increase the tacrolimus level in your body like bananas, oranges, spinach, grapefruit, etc. Grapefruit can inhibit the activity of several enzymes in our body, thus affecting the concentration of tacrolimus.

Can tacrolimus increase creatinine level?

Yes, excess tacrolimus can lead to a rise in serum creatinine in your body. It was observed that reduction in tacrolimus post kidney transplantation resulted in normal levels of serum creatinine.

What are the factors that can affect tacrolimus level?

Many factors that can affect tacrolimus levels are acute infections, liver dysfunction, genetic disorder, interacting medications, etc. Although these factors cannot be detected by the tacrolimus test.

Which herb should I not consume along with tacrolimus?

You must avoid turmeric and chamomile while undergoing immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus. There is a chance that these herbs might interact with tacrolimus and affect its concentration in the blood. The frequent consumption of these herbs just before the test can change the trough level in the blood, hence affecting the result.

Can tacrolimus excrete from our body?

Yes, tacrolimus is excreted from the body via bile. Nearly 95% of tacrolimus is excreted via feces and around 99% is removed in the form of various metabolites.