The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has launched a complimentary therapeutic drug monitoring test for individuals with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a chronic brain condition that results in recurrent seizures characterized by sudden abnormal electrical activity, leading to various symptoms such as muscle jerking, confusion, and changes in awareness. The drug monitoring test, as explained by AIIMS, will analyze the concentration of specific medications in a patient’s blood to ensure the safety and efficacy of the dosage.
AIIMS will offer free testing services for monitoring phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid, and phenytoin, which are commonly prescribed to epilepsy patients. These therapeutic drug monitoring tests are essential for assessing the drug levels in the blood, evaluating the drug’s effectiveness, determining the suitable dosage, and identifying any potential drug toxicity. With this new initiative, patients will no longer need to seek external testing facilities or incur any fees, unlike the previous costs ranging from Rs 390 to Rs 1,880 for various medications.
In a recent circular dated January 1, signed by Prof. Nirupam Madaan, Medical Superintendent, AIIMS has instructed all departments and centers, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI), to forward patient samples to the designated laboratory for testing. This testing service is available for both inpatients and outpatients, with AIIMS Delhi OPD patients able to access the facility at Collection Center Room Number 3 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM, as well as at the National Cancer Institute at AIIMS Jhajjar.
