Thymidine Kinase

LABOKLIN Service ID: 1038


  • Thymidine kinase (TK-1) is the enzyme which helps introduce the nucleoside thymidine into the DNA by converting deoxythymidine to deoxythymidine phosphate (dTMP). It is thus essential for DNA synthesis.
  • The activity of serum thymidine kinase 1 (sTK-1) correlates closely with DNA synthesis and cell proliferation. The main indications for the determination of thymidine kinase in malignant haematopoietic neoplasms are therapy monitoring and early detection of relapse.

  • Material

    Serum 0.5 ml ((centrifuged and separated shortly after coagulation, pipetted off; cooled until arrival at the laboratory)
    Horse: also puncture fluid (chest or abdominal cavity fluid) 0.5 ml (cooled until arrival at the laboratory) (service ID: 540)

    Method

    Chemiluminescence assay (CLIA)

    Species list

    Dog, cat, horse, others on request

    Duration

    Reporting of results on the day the sample is received (Mon–Sat)

    Remark

    • Thymidine kinase is mainly excreted renally. Therefore, if the concentration is increased, it is necessary to exclude impaired renal function in differential diagnosis.
    • Patients with hepatic cirrhosis may also show elevated concentrations.
    • Growing patients physiologically have higher concentrations.
    • Thymidine kinase is also included in the profiles Tumour Diagnostics Small (dog, cat, horse) and Tumour Diagnostics Large (dog).
    • Horse: Determination of thymidine kinase in puncture fluid is requested as a separate service.