Therapeutic Testing Facility Launched from January 1
New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has started offering free therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) tests for epilepsy patients from January 1, a move expected to significantly reduce patients’ dependence on costly private laboratories.
Ensuring Safe and Effective Epilepsy Treatment
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. AIIMS said the new test measures the concentration of anti-epileptic drugs in a patient’s blood, helping doctors ensure that the prescribed dosage is both safe and effective.
Key Anti-Epileptic Drugs Covered
According to the institute, the free testing facility covers commonly prescribed epilepsy medications, including phenobarbital, carbamazepine, valproic acid and phenytoin. Monitoring drug levels helps assess treatment effectiveness, adjust dosages when needed, and detect potential drug toxicity at an early stage.
Major Financial Relief for Patients
AIIMS noted that earlier, patients had to spend between Rs 390 and Rs 1,880 per test at private laboratories. With the introduction of this in-house facility, patients will no longer need to seek testing outside or bear any additional financial burden.
Availability for Inpatients and Outpatients
As per a circular issued on January 1 by Medical Superintendent Prof. Nirupam Madaan, all AIIMS departments and centres have been instructed to send samples to the designated laboratory. The service is available for both OPD and admitted patients, with sample collection at AIIMS Delhi (Room No. 3) from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm, and at the National Cancer Institute, AIIMS Jhajjar.
