Infliximab Antibody Test in Dubai & UAE | Monitor Drug Efficacy & Immune Response | DHCC Lab
Is your infliximab (Remicade®) treatment losing effectiveness? Our precise antibody test at our Dubai-based ISO-accredited lab detects anti-drug antibodies, helping your doctor prevent treatment failure and manage autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s, UC, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Quick Overview: Why Test for Infliximab Antibodies?
Infliximab is a vital biologic drug for autoimmune diseases. However, your immune system may develop anti-drug antibodies (ADAs), which can:
- Neutralize the drug, making it less effective.
- Increase the risk of infusion reactions and side effects.
- Lead to unexplained disease flare-ups.
This test measures two critical values in your blood:
- Infliximab Trough Level: The amount of active drug in your system just before your next dose.
- Anti-Infliximab Antibody Level: The concentration of antibodies attacking the drug.
Together, these results give your specialist a clear map to optimize your therapy—whether by adjusting dosage, switching biologics, or combining treatments.
Understanding Your Test Result: A Clinical Guide
The combination of your drug level and antibody status guides your next steps. Here is what your results typically mean:
| Trough Level (mcg/mL) | Antibody Status | Likely Interpretation & Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic (≥ 3.0) | Negative | Optimal Response. Treatment is working as intended. Continue current regimen. |
| Subtherapeutic (Low) | Negative | Pharmacokinetic Failure. Body may be clearing drug too fast. Doctor may increase dose or shorten interval. |
| Subtherapeutic (Low) | Positive | Immunogenic Failure. Antibodies are neutralizing the drug. Doctor may consider adding an immunomodulator (e.g., azathioprine) or switching to a different biologic class. |
| Therapeutic or High | Positive | At Risk. Antibodies are present but currently saturated. Risk of future treatment failure. Requires close monitoring. |
Interpretation should always be done by your treating physician in the context of your clinical symptoms.
Who Should Take This Test? Key Indications
This test is recommended by specialists in gastroenterology, rheumatology, and dermatology for patients on infliximab therapy who experience:
- Loss of Response: Disease symptoms are flaring despite ongoing treatment.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Experiencing infusion-related reactions or adverse side effects.
- Proactive Monitoring: As part of a Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) protocol to maintain clinical remission before problems arise.
- Dose Optimization: To scientifically guide decisions on dose escalation or reduction.
The DNA Labs UAE Advantage: Precision from a Dubai Lab
Why choose our Dubai laboratory for this specialized test?
- 📍 Local & Centralized in Dubai: As a Dubai-based lab, we ensure fast sample processing and quick result turnaround, avoiding the delays of shipping samples abroad. Ideal for time-sensitive clinical decisions.
- 🏆 ISO Accredited Excellence: Our laboratory operates under the stringent international quality standards of ISO accreditation. This guarantees the highest level of analytical accuracy, reliability, and traceability for your critical health data.
- View our accreditation certificate: DNA_LABS_UAE_ISO_Certificate.pdf
- 👨⚕️ Clinically Relevant Reporting: We provide clear, detailed reports that are designed for easy interpretation by physicians, facilitating informed treatment choices.
- 🔬 Advanced Methodology: We utilize highly sensitive and specific assays (often based on ELISA or similar methods) to accurately measure both drug and antibody levels.
The Testing Process: Simple and Seamless
1. Doctor’s Consultation & Request
The test requires a referral from your specialist (gastroenterologist, rheumatologist, etc.). Discuss your symptoms and the need for testing with them.
2. Sample Collection
Your doctor can draw a blood sample at their clinic or you can visit our partnered collection centers across the UAE. Crucial timing: The blood sample must be taken just before your next infliximab infusion (trough level) for an accurate result.
3. Analysis at Our Dubai Lab
Your sample is analyzed at our state-of-the-art, ISO-accredited facility in Dubai.
4. Detailed Report Delivery
Your physician receives a comprehensive digital report, typically within 5-7 business days, detailing your infliximab concentration, antibody levels, and reference ranges.
For patients investigating autoimmune disease markers or other genetic factors, explore our range of Health & Wellness Genetic Tests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How should I prepare for the blood test?
A: No special fasting is usually required. The most critical factor is timing—the blood must be drawn immediately before your scheduled infliximab infusion. Always follow your doctor’s specific instructions.
Q: My test shows positive antibodies. Does this mean I must stop infliximab immediately?
A: Not necessarily. A positive antibody test must be interpreted alongside your drug level and, most importantly, your clinical symptoms. Your doctor will use all this information to decide the best course, which may include dose adjustment, adding another medication, or planning a switch to an alternative therapy.
Q: How often should this testing be done?
A: There is no universal schedule. Testing is typically performed when there is a suspected loss of response. However, many leading clinics now employ proactive Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM), testing at set intervals (e.g., at induction, after 6 months, and annually during maintenance) to optimize treatment before problems occur.
Q: Is this test covered by insurance in the UAE?
A: Coverage varies by provider and policy. Some insurance companies cover it when medically justified with a referral from a specialist. We recommend checking with your insurance provider and our billing team for guidance.
Q: Can this test be used for other biologic drugs?
A: This specific test is designed for infliximab. We offer similar drug monitoring and antibody tests for other biologics like adalimumab (Humira®), vedolizumab (Entyvio®), and ustekinumab (Stelara®). Please inquire with our team.
