Allopurinol adherence monitoring (blood)

Description: 
Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor used for the treatment of gout. The active metabolite of allopurinol is oxypurinol. Measurement of oxypurinol levels in plasma or serum is useful for confirming adherence and as a basis for dose adjustment.
Clinical details: 
Monitoring allopurinol adherence in patients treated for gout, HPRT deficiency and APRT deficiency.
Related condition or disease: 
Gout, HPRT deficiency, APRT deficiency. Allopurinol adherence monitoring.
Reference range: 

Please contact the laboratory to discuss

Department: 
Reference Services
Location: 
Blackfriars Hub
Sample type and Volume required: 
4 mL blood EDTA (purple top)
Turnaround time: 
1 week
Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Store in fridge, ( don’t freeze)to lab within 3 days/1st class post
Contacts:
Inherited Metabolic Diseases Unit at Blackfriars Hub
020 7188 9652
Reference Chemistry, 1st Floor Blackfriars Hub
Friars Bridge Court
Blackfriars Road
London
SE1 8NZ

IMD Duty Biochemist: 07592 502653
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Inherited Metabolic Disease Laboratory at Blackfriars Hub

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Last updated: 13/03/2026