Mycophenolic Acid

Other names: MPA; Mycophenolate Mofetil; Mycophenolate Sodium

Mycophenolic acid is the metabolite (product) of the drug mycophenolate, which is given to patients who have had liver, heart or kidney transplant surgery to prevent the body from rejecting the donor organ. The drug may also be used to treat patients with autoimmune diseases.

When is the test used?

The test is used to measure levels of MPA in the blood; the test is usually ordered for patients who have started MPA therapy and will be repeated on a regular basis to check the level and monitor the effects of the drug. The test will also be repeated if the dosage is changed.

How is the test done?

The test is done by taking a sample of blood from a vein in the patient’s arm (usually on the inside of the elbow, as the veins are more prominent here). A needle is inserted into the vein and the blood is collected in a syringe. Once the doctor (or nurse) has a sufficient sample, the blood will be bottled, labelled with the patient’s name and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

What do the test results show?

Levels should be within the target range: if levels are too high, this may cause toxicity; if levels are too low, this may prevent the drug from working and the body may reject the donor organ.

Specific Blood Tests



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