Therapeutic drug monitoring service

The service delivers Infliximab (IFX) and Adalimumab (ADL) levels and their respective total anti-drug antibodies (ADA) for optimising care predominantly in gastroenterology patients with inflammatory bowel disease. The service is delivered from the Biochemistry Department within the Laboratory Medicine Building on the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital site, Glasgow.

What does the laboratory do?

The laboratory provides a biologic therapeutic monitoring lead testing service for the anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF alpha) biologic medicines, Infliximab and Adalimumab. These agents have reduced the morbidity from these inflammatory disorders by targeting TNF alpha. Due to variations between individual's handling of the drug and the amount of inflammatory load, the aim is to ensure patients have a sufficient dose and limit those who have very high drug levels. By optimising drug dosaging, it has been shown that there is a better long term outcome.