State of the art in therapeutic drug monitoring.
Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is a multidisciplinary activity. Because laboratory reports are part of the patient's chart, some clinical information is required. In order to guarantee quality and safety, an increasing number of TDM departments have implemented a quality management system. The aim of the present article is to review the three phases of TDM: the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical phases. In the pre-analytical phase, it is necessary to acquire a valid specimen collected at the specific time window. Analytical methods should be validated, assessing possible interfering substances. The objective of the post-analytical phase is the final report, which should include correct interpretation, as well as possible advice. Appropriate pharmacokinetic interpretation avoids unnecessary costs and leads to clinical benefits.
Llorente Fernández
Elena
E
Comisión de Monitorización de Fármacos y Toxicología Clínica (Sociedad Española de Química Clínica), Spain. helenllore@hotmail.com
Parés
Laura
L
Ajuria
Iratxe
I
Bandres
Fernando
F
Castanyer
Bartomeu
B
Campos
Francesc
F
Farré
Carme
C
Pou
Leonor
L
Queraltó
Josep Maria
JM
To-Figueras
Jordi
J
D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; D002984:Clinical Laboratory Information Systems; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D004355:Drug Stability; D006801:Humans; D055553:Prescription Drugs / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D013048:Specimen Handling
D055553:Prescription Drugs