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: Cyclosporine, 24-Hour Whole Blood (Mass Concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

: This test measures the amount of cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant medicine, in a whole blood sample collected over a 24-hour period. It helps your care team make sure the drug level is in a safe and effective range for you.

Quick summary

[": A cyclosporine level helps guide dosing so the medicine prevents rejection or treats your condition without reaching harmful levels."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
3525-3
Short code
cycloSPORINE 24h p Bld-mCnc
Synonyms
cycloSPORINE 24h p Bld-mCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Ref low
20
Ref high
400
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
82670
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

: What Is Cyclosporine?

: Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant drug used to prevent organ rejection after transplant and to treat certain immune-related conditions such as psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis. Because the amount of drug in the body can vary between people, periodic blood testing is used to keep levels appropriate.

: How the Sample Is Collected

: A whole blood sample is drawn, often timed around your dosing schedule, and sometimes collected across a 24-hour interval as ordered by your clinician. Whole blood is used because cyclosporine distributes into red blood cells. Timing guidance from your care team should be followed closely so results are interpreted correctly.

: What the Results Mean

: Your result is compared with a target range set by your clinician for your specific situation, such as transplant type or condition being treated. Levels that are too low may not protect you adequately, while levels that are too high can raise the risk of side effects. Your care team interprets results together with your dose and timing.

: Safety and Side Effects

: Cyclosporine can affect the kidneys, blood pressure, and other body systems, so monitoring is important. Tell your clinician about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you take, as many can change cyclosporine levels. Do not change your dose without medical advice.

Reference range

Premenopausal: 20-400 pg/mL; Postmenopausal: <30 pg/mLN/A

Specimen: whole-blood

No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

: Cyclosporine monitoring is clinically important because the drug has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning the useful and potentially harmful ranges are close together. Regular measurement of whole blood concentrations, interpreted with dosing timing and the patient's clinical status, helps clinicians individualize therapy to reduce the risk of rejection or treatment failure and to limit toxicity.

Short name

: Cyclosporine Level

Frequently asked questions

: Why is whole blood used instead of serum or plasma?
: Cyclosporine binds substantially to red blood cells, so whole blood gives a more reliable reflection of the drug amount in the body than serum or plasma alone.
: Do I need to fast or time the test a certain way?
: Follow your clinician's specific instructions about when to take your dose relative to the blood draw. Timing matters for interpreting the result, but fasting is generally not the key factor for this test.
: Can other medicines change my cyclosporine level?
: Yes. Many prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements can raise or lower cyclosporine levels, so always tell your care team what you are taking before testing.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy