Ordering Guidance

To measure only serum concentration of eculizumab, order ECULI / Eculizumab, Serum.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation:

1. Fasting preferred.

2. Suggest discontinuing natalizumab at least 4 weeks prior to testing for eculizumab quantitation in serum. Patient should consult the healthcare provider who prescribed this drug to determine if discontinuation is an option. If not, ok to proceed with testing while taking natalizumab.

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube: Red top (serum gel/SST are not acceptable)

Submission Container/Tube: 2 Plastic vials

Specimen Volume: 2 mL in 2 plastic vials, each vial containing 1 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Draw blood immediately before next scheduled dose.

2. Immediately after specimen collection, place the tube on wet ice.

3. After sample has clotted on wet ice, centrifuge at 4° C and aliquot serum into two 5 mL plastic vials.

4. Freeze specimen within 30 minutes of centrifugation. Sample must be placed on dry ice if not frozen immediately.