Q: 54-year-old male is transferred from oncology floor to ICU due to high suspicion of Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS). Patient has been started on IV fluid, prescribed rasburicase and close electrolyte and uric acid measurement has been planned. What one precaution should be taken while checking the uric acid level in a patient who has been receiving rasburicase?


Answer:  Blood samples drawn for the uric acid level in patients who are getting treated with rasburicase should be collected in a pre-chilled tube, immediately placed on ice as soon as blood is drawn, and lab should be instructed to run the test without delay. This is due to the reason the rasburicase present in the sample may interfere with the serum uric acid measurements.