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AIIMS Launches Advanced Drug Monitoring for Epilepsy Patients

AIIMS New Delhi's Neurobiochemistry Laboratory has launched a Therapeutic Drug Monitoring facility for epilepsy drugs Levetiracetam and Lamotrigine. The service aims to optimize antiepileptic therapy through accurate drug level monitoring and individualized dose adjustments. This initiative provides affordable access to specialized testing for economically underprivileged patients. The launch reinforces AIIMS' commitment to precision medicine and accessible neurological care.

Key Points: AIIMS Launches Drug Monitoring for Epilepsy Care

  • AIIMS launches TDM for Levetiracetam and Lamotrigine
  • Supports precision-based epilepsy care
  • Provides affordable testing for underprivileged patients
  • Tests require 1-3 mL blood sample
2 min read

AIIMS New Delhi's Neurobiochemistry laboratory launches advanced Therapeutic Drug Monitoring facility for epilepsy patients

AIIMS New Delhi launches advanced Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for epilepsy drugs Levetiracetam and Lamotrigine, offering affordable precision care.

"The introduction of advanced neurodiagnostic and molecular diagnostic facilities is significantly strengthening patient care services - Prof. S.B. Gaikwad"

New Delhi, May 11

The Neurobiochemistry Laboratory at the Neurosciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, has launched specialised Therapeutic Drug Monitoring services for the antiepileptic drugs Levetiracetam and Lamotrigine for both OPD and IPD patients.

The introduction of these advanced diagnostic services marks a significant step toward strengthening precision-based epilepsy care and improving access to affordable, high-quality neurodiagnostic services for patients across the country.

The TDM facility has been established to support clinicians in optimising antiepileptic therapy through accurate monitoring of therapeutic drug levels, individualised dose adjustment, assessment of treatment response, and early detection of drug toxicity.

The availability of these tests within AIIMS is expected to provide major relief to economically underprivileged patients who previously had to rely on expensive private laboratories or external referral centres for such specialised investigations.

Prof. S.B. Gaikwad, Chief, Neurosciences Centre, AIIMS New Delhi, stated that the introduction of advanced neurodiagnostic and molecular diagnostic facilities is significantly strengthening patient care services and enabling more accurate diagnosis and management of complex neurological disorders.

Prof. Ashok Sharma, Professor In-Charge, Neurobiochemistry Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, informed that the tests require only 1-3 mL blood sample in a plain serum vial (Yellow Cap). Test reports will be made available through the e-Hospital portal for clinicians and through the ORS portal for patients. OPD samples can be submitted at Collection Centre Counter No. 3, Ground Floor, NSC, while IPD samples may be submitted at Room No. 64, Ground Floor, NSC. The facility is also available at the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, NCI-AIIMS Jhajjar Campus.

The Neurobiochemistry Laboratory, NSC/NCI-AIIMS, is already providing several highly specialised neurological, autoimmune, molecular oncology, and infectious disease diagnostic services. These include Neurofascin antibodies (NF-140/155/186), NMO and MOG antibody testing, Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel, Paraneoplastic and Myositis profiles, Ganglioside profiles, BCR-ABL quantitative assays, ALL/AML molecular panels, HPV genotyping, EBV DNA quantitative testing, and therapeutic drug monitoring for multiple antiepileptic medications.

The launch of this advanced TDM service further reinforces AIIMS New Delhi's commitment to accessible, affordable, and cutting-edge healthcare, while promoting precision medicine approaches for the management of neurological disorders in India.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Great news! My uncle has been on Levetiracetam for years but his local doctor never checked levels—he had side effects that went undetected. If this service is indeed affordable and accessible via ORS portal, it will save many from toxicity and poor control. Kudos to Prof. Sharma and team.
J
James A
Interesting to see how precision medicine is finally making its way into public hospitals in India. The combination of TDM for epilepsy with existing panels like autoimmune encephalitis testing is impressive. Wish the US had such integrated neurodiagnostic labs at similar costs for patients.
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Siddharth J
Fantastic initiative! But we must also think about awareness—many general physicians in Tier-2/3 cities don't even know TDM exists for these drugs. AIIMS should run training programs or publish simple guidelines for doctors across India. Otherwise the facility remains underutilized. Just a constructive thought.
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Sarah B
Impressive range of tests! From therapeutic drug monitoring to NMO antibody testing—this lab seems to cover a wide spectrum. The fact that they provide services at both Delhi and Jhajjar campuses is smart. More such decentralized facilities will reduce patient burden at main AIIMS.
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Kavya N
As someone who works in a rural clinic, I can tell you this is a game-changer. We often see epilepsy patients on multiple drugs without any monitoring. The 1-3 mL blood sample requirement is minimal—we can collect and send it easily. Hope the turnaround time is quick too! 🩺

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