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Test Code TPMT3 Thiopurine Methyltransferase Activity Profile, Erythrocytes


Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) enzyme activity can be inhibited by several drugs and may contribute to falsely low results. Patients should abstain from the following drugs for at least 48 hours prior to TPMT testing: naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis), furosemide (Lasix), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), mesalamine (Asacol), olsalazine (Dipentum), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), trimethoprim (Proloprim), methotrexate, thiazide diuretics, and benzoic acid inhibitors.

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)

Acceptable: Green top (sodium or lithium heparin), dark blue top (metal free sodium heparin), or plasma gel tubes

Specimen Volume: 5 mL


Children's Mercy Hospital Note:

CMH COLLECTION: 3 mL in EDTA lavender vacutainer

Specimen Minimum Volume

3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Whole blood Refrigerated (preferred) 6 days
  Ambient  6 days

Useful For

Detection of individuals with low thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) activity who are at risk for excessive myelosuppression or severe hematopoietic toxicity when taking thiopurine drugs

 

Detection of individuals with hyperactive TPMT activity who have therapeutic resistance to thiopurine drugs and may develop hepatotoxicity if treated with these drugs

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Report Available

4 to 7 days

Reporting Name

TPMT Activity Profile, RBC

Reference Values

6-Methylmercaptopurine (normal): 3.00-6.66 nmol/mL/hour

6-Methylmercaptopurine riboside (normal): 5.04-9.57 nmol/mL/hour

6-Methylthioguanine riboside (normal): 2.70-5.84 nmol/mL/hour

Method Name

Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

84433