Cyclosporine Blood Concentration (Pharmacokinetic Monitoring)
This test measures the amount of cyclosporine, a medication used to prevent organ rejection after transplant or to treat certain autoimmune conditions, in your blood.
["Your cyclosporine level helps doctors monitor how well your body is responding to this medication and adjust doses as needed."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 78920-6
- Short code
- cycloSPORINE Bld IA-sCnc
- Synonyms
- cycloSPORINE Bld IA-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors order this test to ensure your cyclosporine levels stay within a safe range. Too little may mean your immune system isn’t suppressed enough, while too much could cause side effects like kidney damage or high blood pressure. It’s especially important after organ transplants or if you have conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for a few hours before your blood is drawn. Tell your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or recent illnesses that could affect results.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. It usually takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Does the Test Result Mean?
Results are typically reported as a numeric value representing the cyclosporine concentration in your blood. Your doctor will interpret these results in relation to your medical history, symptoms, and other medications you’re taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cyclosporine levels are critical for balancing immune suppression and avoiding toxicity. Abnormally high levels may lead to kidney damage, hypertension, or neurological issues, while dangerously low levels could increase infection risk. Regular monitoring is essential for long-term treatment.
Short name
Cyclosporine Level
Frequently asked questions
How often should I expect this test?
What are common side effects of cyclosporine?
Can diet or other medications affect my cyclosporine levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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