Anti-Infliximab Antibodies (Free)
- Description
- The measurement of anti-Infliximab antibodies enables a greater understanding as to the underlying aetiology of treatment failure. Patients with detectable anti-Infliximab antibodies may be at risk of developing infusion reactions, particularly those being re-introduced after drug interruption. The detection of anti-Infliximab antibodies also guides management decisions on concomitant immunosupression , dose escalation, drug switching and withdrawal. Measured as part of a profile including Infliximab levels. This test is not currently included in the laboratory's UKAS scope of accreditation to ISO15189:2012.
- Clinical details
- Due to the structure of the anti-TNFα drugs, the immune system may stimulate formation of antibodies against the drug (ADA, anti-drug antibodies). Antibody formation is associated with allergic reactions and loss of response due to neutralisation of biological effect and/or increased clearance of drug. Infliximab, being a chimeric (mouse-human) monoclonal antibody, is thought to be the most immunogenic of the anti-TNF biologics.
- Related condition
- Reference range
<10 ng/mL = Negative Please note that in the presence of drug, anti-drug antibody may not be detected. Test interpretation requires full clinical information: drug dosage/frequency, previous exposure to other biologics, time of sampling, duration of therapy and clinical assessment.
- Units
- ng/mL
- Testing site
- Synnovis : Reference Services : St Thomas' Hospital
- Laboratory
- Reference Chemistry
- Sample type and volume required
- Serum (SST tube or plain) sample is preferred. Plasma (Lithium heparin, citrate or EDTA) is also acceptable. Minimum 300μL serum or plasma required for both drug and anti-drug antibody analysis.
- Special sample instructions
Collect blood into a serum separation (SST™) or plain tube, preferably shortly before drug administration (trough levels). Centrifuge sample at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes, aliquot serum or plasma and keep in fridge until transport. If transport is going to be delayed by > 5 days, freeze at -20°C and send by first class post at a later date.
- Storage and transport
- Post the sample to Viapath Central Specimen Reception by first class post (see request form for full address)
- Turnaround time
- 2 weeks