Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) and Toxicology Laboratories
In December 2004, the TDM and Toxicology Laboratories acquired a new state of the art Tandem Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Mass spectrometers “weigh” molecules electronically to determine their molecular weight. Since the principle of mass spectrometers is based on the molecular weight of a molecule, the methods are free from the interferences normally seen with traditional immunoassays (antigen – antibody cross reactions) thus providing much more accurate and precise results. The first application to be developed on the platform is the immunosuppressive drugs: Cyclosporine A, Tacrolimus and Sirolimus.
Future development on this platform will include tests listed below under "Tests Under Development" as well as the transfer of the broad spectrum drug screen from the current HPLC methods to the tandem mass spectrometer.
New tests
- Azathioprine Metabolites (6-TG, 6-MMP)
- Sirolimus
Tests under development
- Bupivacaine
- Morphine (quantitative, plasma)
- Benzodiazepine identification and quantification
- Tricyclic Antidepressant identification and quantification