The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has launched an advanced blood testing service designed to assist doctors in accurately treating epilepsy patients while minimizing the risk of medication-related side effects. The new facility, located at the AIIMS Neurosciences Centre, will monitor the levels of two commonly prescribed anti-epilepsy drugs—levetiracetam and lamotrigine—in a patient's bloodstream.
Importance of Drug Level Monitoring
Medical experts emphasize that the same dosage of medication can affect individuals differently. Incorrect drug levels may either fail to control seizures or lead to toxicity. This specialized testing, known as Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM), commenced this week and is currently offered free of charge. AIIMS officials have indicated that the tests may later be provided at highly subsidized rates in accordance with institute policy. Presently, similar tests in private laboratories can cost between Rs 6,000 and Rs 10,000 for each drug.
Personalized Treatment Benefits
According to healthcare professionals, TDM enables personalized treatment by allowing doctors to adjust medicine doses based on the patient's response, body chemistry, and risk of side effects. It also helps identify cases where medications are not reaching effective levels despite regular intake. AIIMS officials believe that the in-house facility will significantly improve access to precision-based epilepsy care.
Expert Insights
Prof. S.B. Gaikwad, chief of the Neurosciences Centre, noted that advanced neurodiagnostic facilities are enhancing the diagnosis and treatment of complex neurological disorders. Prof. Ashok Sharma, professor in-charge of the Neurobiochemistry Laboratory, explained that only a small blood sample is required for the test, and reports will be accessible online through the e-Hospital and ORS portals.
Availability and Accessibility
The testing facility is available for both outpatient and admitted patients at AIIMS New Delhi, as well as at the NCI-AIIMS Jhajjar campus. Doctors emphasize that epilepsy patients often require years of medication and regular monitoring, making affordable access to such testing crucial.
