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HelpTest Code FLUC 5-Flucytosine, Serum
Reporting Name
5-Flucytosine, SUseful For
Monitoring serum concentration during therapy
Evaluating potential toxicity
May aid in evaluating patient compliance
Method Name
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum for a peak level should be collected 1 to 2 hours after oral dose or 30 minutes after intravenous infusion. Trough specimens should be collected immediately prior to next scheduled dose.
2. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge, and aliquot serum to plastic vial.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Ambient | 28 days | ||
| Frozen | 28 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Reference Values
Therapeutic concentration:
Peak >25.0 mcg/mL (difficult infections may require higher concentrations)
Toxic concentration:
Peak >100.0 mcg/mL
Day(s) Performed
Tuesday, Thursday
CPT Code Information
80299
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| FLUC | 5-Flucytosine, S | 3639-2 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 82741 | 5-Flucytosine, S | 3639-2 |
Clinical Information
Flucytosine is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent generally used in combined therapy (often with amphotericin B) for treatment of fungal infections such as cryptococcal meningitis. Concerns with toxicity (ie, bone marrow suppression, hepatic dysfunction) and development of fungal resistance limit the use of flucytosine, particularly as a monotherapy. The drug is well-absorbed orally but can also be administered intravenously (available outside of the United States).
There is good correlation between serum concentrations of flucytosine with both efficacy and risk for toxicity. Because of the drug's short half-life (3-6 hours), therapeutic monitoring is typically performed at peak levels approximately 2 hours after an oral dose or 30 minutes after an intravenous administration.
Flucytosine is eliminated primarily as unmetabolized drug in urine. Patients with kidney dysfunction may require dose adjustments or more frequent monitoring to ensure that serum concentrations do not accumulate to excessive levels. Nephrotoxicity associated with use of amphotericin B can affect elimination of flucytosine when the drugs are coadministered.
Interpretation
Most individuals display optimal response to flucytosine when peak serum levels (1-2 hours after oral dosing) are greater than 25.0 mcg/mL. Some infections may require higher concentrations for efficacy. Toxicity is more likely when peak serum concentrations are greater than 100.0 mcg/mL
Cautions
This test cannot be performed on whole blood. Serum must be separated from cells within 2 hours of collection.
Method Description
5-Flucytosine is extracted by mixing serum samples with an acetonitrile and methanol mixture to precipitate proteins. The supernatant is removed and analyzed by an in-house developed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method.(Unpublished Mayo method)