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Test Code TPMT3 Thiopurine Methyltransferase Activity Profile, Erythrocytes

Specimen Type

Whole blood


Specimen Required


Patient Preparation: Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) enzyme activity can be inhibited by several drugs and may contribute to falsely low results. Patients should abstain from the following drugs for at least 48 hours prior to TPMT testing: naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), ketoprofen (Orudis), furosemide (Lasix), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), mesalamine (Asacol), olsalazine (Dipentum), mefenamic acid (Ponstel), trimethoprim (Proloprim), methotrexate, thiazide diuretics, and benzoic acid inhibitors.

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Lavender top (EDTA)

Acceptable: Green top (sodium or lithium heparin), dark blue top (metal free sodium heparin), or plasma gel tubes

Specimen Volume: 5 mL


Specimen Minimum Volume

3 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Whole blood Refrigerated (preferred) 6 days
  Ambient  6 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject

Reference Values

6-Methylmercaptopurine (normal): 3.00-6.66 nmol/mL/hour

6-Methylmercaptopurine riboside (normal): 5.04-9.57 nmol/mL/hour

6-Methylthioguanine riboside (normal): 2.70-5.84 nmol/mL/hour

Day(s) Performed

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Report Available

4 to 7 days

Specimen Retention Time

Residual whole blood: 14 days; Processed specimen: 2 months

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

CPT Code Information

84433