Cyclosporine Test

A Cyclosporine Blood Test is a test to assess the levels of cyclosporine in blood. It is used when adjusting the initial dose, and to ensure that cyclosporine levels stay within an acceptable range. Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant drug. It is used to prevent organ transplant rejection, most notably of the kidney, heart, and liver. It is also used to treat autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. Cyclosporine works by preventing T-lymphocytes, a type of specialized white blood cell, from producing interleukin-2 (IL-2). IL-2 causes the growth and division of T-lymphocytes. Thus, by preventing its production, cyclosporine suppresses the immune system.

It is recommended that you should wear a short-sleeved shirt, Like any any other blood test. There is no need of fasting prior this test, You can eat and drink normally. Though, if the blood taken is also to be used for further different tests, the doctor will inform you in prior. In that case, you​ ​only​ ​need​ ​to​ ​fast​ ​for a​ ​few​ ​hours.​ ​Always​ ​follow​ ​the​ ​particular​ ​instructions​ ​given​ ​to​ ​you​ ​by​ ​the​ ​doctor or Lab.

As mentioned earlier, this test is used to determine the level of cyclosporine in blood. Excessive cyclosporine levels may indicate cyclosporine toxicity. This condition is marked by: Nausea and vomiting, Tremors, Jaundice, Bleeding, Swelling , Decreased cyclosporine levels may indicate that more cyclosporine is necessary, in order to achieve a therapeutic dose. This test is mainly used for adjusting the dose to optimize immunosuppression while minimizing toxicity and evaluating patient’s compliance. Cyclosporine is a powerful drug that has significant side effects on cells in the body. It is often used, only when milder options have been exhausted.

An​ ​alcohol​ ​pad​ ​is​ ​used​ ​to​ ​clean​ ​the​ ​skin. A needle is then injected through the part of rinsed skin into to your arm vein; specifically in the one that can​ ​be​ ​seen​ ​from​ ​the​ ​skin. The​ ​blood​ ​is​ ​dragged​ ​out​ ​from​ ​the​ ​needle​ ​by​ ​a​ ​nozzle,​ ​saved​ ​in​ ​a​ ​vessel​ ​and​ ​sealed​ ​with​ ​your​ ​name. ​This​ ​sample​ ​is​ ​carried​ ​to​ ​the​ ​research​ ​laboratory​ ​for​ ​examination. Only 2Ml (Minimum-0.4Ml) of blood are drawn from your vein for this test.