Mycophenolic Acid in Serum or Plasma
This test measures the amount of mycophenolic acid in your blood, a key medication used to prevent organ rejection after transplants or to treat certain autoimmune conditions.
["Your doctor may check this level to ensure you’re taking the right dose of mycophenolate."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72985-5
- Short code
- Mycophenolate (neut) IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Mycophenolate (neut) IgM SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressant medication often prescribed after organ transplants (like kidneys or hearts) or for autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. It works by reducing your immune system’s ability to attack healthy tissue. Monitoring its levels helps prevent side effects and ensures it’s working properly.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. If you’re on this medication, your doctor may recommend timing your blood draw around when you last took it (usually 1–2 hours after dosing). Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions.
What the Results Mean
Results help your doctor check if your dose is appropriate. Too little may mean your immune system isn’t suppressed enough, while too much could increase risks like infections or organ damage. Your doctor will interpret these results in the context of your overall health and treatment plan.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors order this test if you’re on mycophenolate to monitor drug levels, check for side effects, or adjust your dose. It’s also used during pregnancy (if you’re on this medication) to ensure safe levels for both you and your baby.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Mycophenolic acid levels are critical for balancing immunosuppression. Low levels may indicate inadequate medication absorption or poor compliance, while high levels could signal toxicity or drug interactions (e.g., with other medications like allopurniol). Regular monitoring helps prevent complications like infections, organ rejection, or gastrointestinal issues.
Short name
Mycophenolate Levels
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What if my results are outside the expected range?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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