AIIMS Delhi launches advanced blood testing service for epilepsy patients

According to media reports, the new facility at AIIMS Neurosciences Centre will help monitor the levels of two drugs commonly used in the treatment of epilepsy, namely levetiracetam and lamotrigine, in patients' blood.

According to doctors, this step is crucial because the same dosage can affect patients differently, and an incorrect level of the medication could either fail to control seizures or cause toxicity. Since epilepsy patients often require medication and regular monitoring for years, ensuring affordable access to such diagnostic testing.

This specialised test, known as Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM), was launched this week and is currently being made available free of cost.

As per the ET media news report, AIIMS officials stated that, under the institute's policy, these tests could subsequently be made available at highly subsidised rates. Currently, similar tests at private laboratories can cost anywhere between ₹6,000 and ₹10,000 per drug.

This facility is available at AIIMS New Delhi for both OPD and admitted patients; additionally, it is also available at the NCI-AIIMS Jhajjar campus.

The test can help doctors personalise treatment by adjusting medication dosages based on the patient's response, body constitution, and risk of side effects. It can also help identify cases where medications fail to reach effective levels despite regular intake.

In this regard, Prof S.B. Gaikwad, chief of the Neurosciences Centre, said advanced neurodiagnostic facilities are helping improve the diagnosis and treatment of complex neurological disorders.

Also, Prof Ashok Sharma, professor in charge of the Neurobiochemistry Laboratory, said only a small blood sample is needed for the test, and reports will be available online through the e-Hospital and ORS portals.