Laboratory Lab results are too important to go anywhere else.

Tacrolimus Level

Prograf, FK506, Tacrolimus/FK506 Level, Tacrolimus Blood Level, TACRO

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB8760

Department

Toxicology

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Lavender-top EDTA tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 2.0 mL)

Do not use Serum Separator Tubes.
Time of Collection: Trough, just prior to next dose.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Do not centrifuge. Refrigerate whole blood in original collection tube prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Refrigerated whole blood in original collection tube. (Minimum: 2.0 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Serum Separator (SST) tubes.
• Serum or plasma specimens.  

In-Lab Processing

Do not centrifuge specimen. Deliver immediately to the appropriate testing station.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 4 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 3 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 3 months

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 3 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 2 weeks 

Laboratory

Royal Oak Toxicology Laboratory

Performed

Sunday – Saturday. Specimens must be received prior to 1:00 pm to be tested the same day.

Reference Range

Therapeutic range (0-3 months post-transplant): 8-16 ng/mL.
Therapeutic range (Greater than 3 months post-transplant): 5-15 ng/mL.
Critical: Greater than 20 ng/mL.

Test Methodology

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

This test was developed, and its performance characteristics determined by Beaumont Health. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. The Laboratory is regulated under CLIA as qualified to perform high-complexity testing. This test is used for clinical purposes and should not be regarded as investigational or for research.

Interpretation

The following drugs may increase Tacrolimus blood levels: ketoconazole, fluconazole, erythromycin, diltiazem, cimetidine, and methylprednisolone.

The following drugs may decrease Tacrolimus blood levels: carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifabutin, and rifampin.

Clinical Utility

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressant drug that has been approved by the FDA for use in liver transplant patients. This assay is used to monitor the therapeutic drug level and evaluate the toxicity of Tacrolimus/ FK506. This assay aids in monitoring changes in blood concentrations resulting from interactions with co-administered drugs. Nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity are the most significant side effects of tacrolimus.

CPT Codes

80197
LOINC: 11253-2

Contacts

Last Updated

5/15/2025