what blood tests while on 6MP/Aza/imuran?

Hi everyone,
So, I have been on 6 MP four weeks as of today. My GI has told me I should go for blood tests every 2 weeks. I did so, 2 weeks ago, and will again today.

Actually, I attempted to. I went to the lab, they looked me up on the computer, and all was fine until - when the phlebotomist took out a 5th tube I said, "What are you doing?!" Somehow the orders had gotten mixed up and the Doc's newish office person had put in for another Quantiferon!

I "declined" the test ( they tossed the blood and shredded the paperwork so I wouldn't be charged) and called the GIs office. New girl asked ME what blood tests I should be having.

Since I have done this only once, I am asking you all: what are the normal, ongoing blood tests while on 6MP/Aza/Imuran?

Safely ensconced at the office but still ticked off, I called the GIs office and left a message that I had questions and would like a call back from him, himself. I plan to let him know that these continued mess-ups from the office erode my faith in our ability to work as a team and ultimately, in him. I'd hate to change GIs, because I think he is good, but the new office girl is a detriment!

Meanwhile, I either go back to the lab later or tomorrow. Super annoying!!

Standard blood tests for monitoring of 6mp/Imuran/azathioprine are:

CBC with Differential. This test is a Complete Bloodcell Count (CBC). These drugs intentionally lower your white blood cell count, this test monitors how low wbc is, along with rbc, platelets, and other components of your blood.

Hepatic function panel (LFT). This test looks for elevated liver enzymes a warning sign for adverse reactions to these drugs.

Sometimes C-reactive protein might be added, but it's not necessary for this drug. Helpful to know how inflamed you are though.

Test intervals are often weekly, then biweekly, then monthly, and then remain at trimonthly while you're on these drugs. After multiple good results, your doctor will likely decrease their frequency.

Your lab should enter your tests as a "standing order" within their system. When you arrive tell them you have one, and paperwork won't be necessary with every visit, as you're already in the system. Good luck!

Are these tests also the ones done to monitor liver/kidney function while on mesalamines? If not, what would those tests be? I have tried searching the forum but was only able to find posts that say "you should have tests done regularly to monitor liver and kidney function". I also checked the "Resources" pinned thread. I wonder if iPoop's post above songlady's there would be a great one to add to the Resources thread, along with the monitoring tests for other types of meds?

That has been my experience, John.
I was on sulfasalazine from 1983 until...? 1988ish? when Asacol became available. And switched to Lialda maybe 3 years ago - but other than annual blood tests, the docs basically ignored the possibility of bloodwork.

I did get my bloodwork done (CBC and LFT) and I also talked with the GI and asked him "how we could make this blood test process more efficient." He understood what I was saying, so.. let's hope the newbie office person begins to understand protocol!

Okay thanks!