Test Code LEFLU Leflunomide Metabolite (Teriflunomide), Serum
Reporting Name
Leflunomide Metabolite, SUseful For
Therapeutic monitoring of patients actively taking leflunomide
Assessment of elimination in patients requiring enhanced elimination of the drug
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in RochesterSpecimen Type
Serum RedSpecimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Draw blood no sooner than 12 hours (trough value) after last dose.
2. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum Red | Ambient (preferred) | 28 days | |
Frozen | 28 days | ||
Refrigerated | 28 days |
Reference Values
Therapeutic: >40 mcg/mL
Elimination: <0.020 mcg/mL
Day(s) Performed
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
80193
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
LEFLU | Leflunomide Metabolite, S | 44828-2 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
60292 | Leflunomide Metabolite, S | 44828-2 |
Interpretation
Therapy: clinical targets for serum teriflunomide (leflunomide metabolite) concentrations are still being determined, but levels greater than 40 mcg/mL appear to correlate with better outcome.
Elimination: serum concentrations less than 0.020 mcg/mL (20 ng/mL) are preferred to minimize potential teratogenesis for patients considering pregnancy.
Clinical Reference
1. Cannon GW, Kremer JM. Leflunomide. Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2004;30(2):295-309
2. Chan V, Charles BG, Tett SE. Population pharmacokinetics and association between A77 1726 plasma concentrations and disease activity measures following administration of leflunomide to people with rheumatoid arthritis. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2005 Sep;60(3):257-264
3. Teschner S, Gerke P, Geyer M, et al. Leflunomide therapy for polyomavirus-induced allograft nephropathy: efficient BK virus elimination without increased risk of rejection. Transplant Proc. 2009;41(6):2533-2538
4. Temprano KK, Bandlamudi R, Moore TL. Antirheumatic drugs in pregnancy and lactation. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2005;35(2):112-121
5. Hirsch HH, Randhawa PS; AST Infectious Diseases Community of Practice: BK polyomavirus in solid organ transplantation-Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice. Clin Transplant. 2019;33(9):e13528. doi:10.1111/ctr.13528
Report Available
3 to 5 daysMethod Name
High-Turbulence Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HTLC-MS/MS)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.