Competency information
Details
Perform the analyses to laboratory standard operating procedures for the following drugs:
- digoxin and other cardioactive drugs
- lithium
- anticonvulsants
- theophylline
- ciclosporin and other immunosuppressive drugs.
Considerations
- The range of methods available for the individual drug analyses and the advantages/disadvantages of each method.
- The principles of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM); the criteria for valid TDM and the essentials of a TDM service.
- For each drug selected:
- its clinical use
- pharmacokinetics – including common drug interactions
- toxicity
- monitoring therapy – including target ranges, recommended sampling times and sample types.
- Mode of analysis (including advantages and disadvantages of the different methods in use).
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 | Outcome Perform a range of laboratory techniques used in the workplace to monitor therapeutic drug concentrations. |
| # 2 | Outcome Interpret the results of commonly used therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) assays in the correct clinical context. |