title: The value of serum drug concentration assays in clinical practice.
abstract: The value of serum drug assays in clinical practice is assessed, and it is concluded that, except in neonates, elderly persons or patients with hepatic and renal dysfunction, such assays are of little clinical value. However, research projects to obtain clinically applicable pharmacokinetic data are of great value. Routine clinical drug assays should be discouraged on clinical, practical and economic grounds.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents / Q000097:blood; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000097:blood; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000097:blood; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D004077:Digoxin / Q000097:blood; D004358:Drug Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000097:blood*; D013806:Theophylline / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D000889:Anti-Arrhythmia Agents; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D004077:Digoxin; D013806:Theophylline