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A point-of-care testing device which enables clinicians to perform rapid and convenient testing of clozapine levels is being piloted at South West London and St George’s.
Clozapine is a medication which can be used to treat schizophrenia when other medicines have not worked. While schizophrenia is usually managed with antipsychotic medicines, around 25% of patients do not benefit from them.
For clozapine to be prescribed, regular blood tests are required to check the levels of clozapine and white blood cells in a patient’s blood. Monitoring clozapine levels is crucial because the medication has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that levels that are too low may be ineffective, while levels that are too high can cause side effects.
Blood tests happen every week for the first 18 weeks after clozapine is prescribed, then fortnightly for up to one year, followed by monthly tests. The results can take up to a week to be returned from the laboratory, causing a delay if a patient’s dose needs to be changed.
A point-of-care testing device that can instantly and accurately measure clozapine and white blood cell levels from a tiny drop of blood collected from a patient’s fingertip is being trialled by our Sutton clozapine clinic in the community and Lotus Assessment Suite for all inpatient services at Springfield Hospital.
Results are provided in minutes meaning clinicians can use the results to adjust the clozapine dose while they are still with a patient.
Remy Wesolowski, Physical Health & Parity of Esteem Lead Nurse, said: "These devices represent a transformative leap in enhancing care for patients prescribed clozapine, providing immediate insights into medication levels crucial for precise dosing adjustments.
“This innovative technology not only enhances the experience of our patients and treatment efficacy but also reduces the time and inconvenience associated with traditional laboratory testing, leading to more efficient and personalised patient care.”
About clozapine:
You can find detailed information about clozapine in our Patient Information Leaflet (PILL). This includes information on what the medication is for, how to take it, side effects and safety information.
To ensure clozapine is used safely and appropriately, we follow national guidance set by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and adhere to stringent monitoring and guidelines:
Patients and carers with questions about clozapine or any other medications can contact our Medicines Helpline on 020 3513 6829 to talk to one of our specialist mental health pharmacists. The helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm.
Image caption: Staff from the Lotus Assessment Suite being trained in how to use the point-of-care testing devices.