Submit in the original collection tube. When cyclosporine is IV administered, the specimen should preferably be collected by venipuncture from the opposite arm as specimens from the IV or in-dwelling catheter are often contaminated. If the in-dwelling line must be used, select an alternate lumen if possible and follow the TPN flush and discard volume guidelines.
Draw blood immediately before a scheduled dose to obtain trough level. Therapeutic range applies to trough specimen results.
Specimen can be used for other immunosuppressant drugs testing (i.e. TACRO, SIRO, EVERO), but DO NOT use this specimen for other blood tests except HGMPA (and then only if absolutely necessary).