Pathology

Test & Collection Guide

PLEASE NOTE: Recent changes have been made to this Test

Recent changes for Thiopurine Metabolites

Recent changes for Thiopurine Metabolites
Date	Field	Changed From	Changed To
3rd March 2023	Preferred Container Type	Lithium heparin no gel EDTA	See Instructions

Thiopurine Metabolites

Ordering information:

Test requires a dedicated Lithium Heparin and EDTA sample.

Collect 1 x 4 ml Lithium Heparin tube and

2 x 4ml EDTA tube.

A FBE must also be performed.

Alternate names:

6MMP, 6TG, AZA metabolites, Imuran Metabolites

Laboratory:

Referred Test

Test Code:

TMETAB

Specimen types:

Blood

Container types:

See Instructions

Collection Instructions:

Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab

Collect 1 x 4 ml Lithium Heparin tube and

2 x 4ml EDTA tube.

FBE must be requested with this test as a RCC is required for calculation of results

DO NOT SPIN.

Keep at Room Temp.

Li Hep and EDTA must be sent to St Vincent's Pathology together

Minimum Adult Volume:

8 mL

Notes:

Imuran is a trade name for azathioprine

The Thiopurine metabolites (6-TGN & 6-MMP) are used as a means of estimating the toxicity and efficacy of azathioprine treatment.

Frequency:

Weekly

Result Turnaround Time:

2 weeks

Reference Interval:

6TGN: 235 - 450

6MMP: 250 - 5700

Laboratory Use Only

Storage Instructions:

Keep samples at Room Temperature.

Do Not Spin. Whole Blood required

Laboratory Notes:

Send FBE results with samples

External Laboratory:

St Vincents Hospital

External Laboratory details...