Eurofins Biomnis code

IMUR

Synonyms

• Imurel®
• Thiopurine
• 6 thioguianine
• 6-methyl-mercaptopurine
• 6TGN

Specialty

Analytical Chemistry

Clinical significance

Azathioprine is an anticancer and immunosuppressive molecule used to treat childhood lymphoma, autoimmune diseases, Crohn¿s disease and even transplants. To activate it, it is converted into phosphorylated thiopurine metabolites. Accumulation of these metabolites is toxic. Our body deactivates them by methylating them into 6-methylmercaptopurine via thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT). This enzyme is all that is needed to prevent accumulation. Certain TPMT gene mutations are responsible for lowering the affinity of this enzyme and thus the accumulation of active metabolites in red blood cells, causing toxic effects.

Preanalytics

• 2 x 5 mL :
• whole blood
•   Reftrigerated

• A tube specifically for this analysis : No

Further information

To be collected during equilibrium state (i.e at least 3 weeks - 1 month from the start of treatment)
Transport within not more than 48 hrs, if possible in less than 24 hrs
Do not sample at end of week
All requests must ALWAYS contain:
- the sampling date and time
- the dosage data (quantity administered, frequency, administration route)
- the treatment start date and/or the date of any change in dosage
- treatment using aminosalicylic acid derivatives (Quadrasa, Dipentum, Pentasa, etc.)
- clinical data: type of disease
- transfusion?, if yes, date or last transfusion
Specify:
- the reasons for the prescription (efficiency and/or toxicity test),
- the sampling time
- the treatment start date and/or the date of any change of dosage
- the dosage data (quantity administered, frequency, administration route),
- the subject's age, height and weight if possible.
Depending on the results, the pathologist may also resolve to perform / invoice TPMT activity

Methodology

HPLC - High Performance Liquid Chromatography / UV detection

Turnaround time

60 days

Caption