Laboratory overview

The IMS laboratory is one of the most technologically advanced in the country with all drugs measured by HPLC-mass spectrometry. 

Cyclosporin / Tacrolimus

The service provides a 7-day service for monitoring of the immunosuppressive drugs, Cyclosporin and Tacrolimus. Samples received by 1:30pm on weekdays will be analysed and reported same day by email or post.

At weekends, an emergency service is operated whereby any samples that are available by 11am will be analysed and reported the same day. Clinicians outside the unit should contact the laboratory manager (via Harefield Hospital switchboard) to arrange urgent weekend requests. The department does not operate an evening on-call service.

Sirolimus

The department also operates the UK National Monitoring Service for Sirolimus providing a five-day week service to hospitals in the UK and Eire. Samples received before 1:30pm will be analysed on the day of receipt, with reports emailed by 5pm or posted that evening. The department should be advised of any urgent requests so that the samples can be prioritised.

Mycophenolic acid (MPA)

MPA assays are performed on Wednesdays.  

Antifungal drugs

Assays for Isavuconazole, Itraconazole, Hydroxyitraconazole, Posaconazole and Voriconazole are performed twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays (results available Tuesdays and Fridays).

Vitamin D metabolites

25-OH Vitamin D2 and 25-OH Vitamin D3 are analysed twice weekly on Mondays and Thursdays (results available Tuesdays and Fridays).

Milrinone

Milrinone is available daily on weekdays and emergencies can be accommodated at weekends by arrangement with the Laboratory Manager.

Prednisolone

Prednisolone plus Cortisol by LC-MS/MS assays are performed on Wednesdays.