What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're currently being treated with methotrexate for cancer, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis and need to check how much of the drug is in your blood. High-dose methotrexate treatment can build up to unsafe levels in the body, so this test helps confirm the drug is clearing properly after each dose. It's commonly used alongside leucovorin rescue therapy to make sure the treatment is working without causing dangerous side effects.

What happens after I get my results?

Your methotrexate level will show up in your account along with the reference range so you can see exactly where your number falls. If your level is higher than expected for your treatment timeline, this can signal a need for closer follow-up or adjusted rescue therapy, so seek medical care right away if you notice unusual symptoms like mouth sores, severe nausea, or difficulty urinating. You can download a standard lab report for your records, and the trends feature lets you track your levels across multiple draws during treatment.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone currently receiving high-dose methotrexate therapy for cancer treatment, such as osteosarcoma, should consider this test as part of routine monitoring. It's also useful for people on methotrexate for psoriasis or rheumatoid arthritis who want to confirm the drug is at a safe level in their system. Repeat testing is typical after each treatment cycle to track how quickly your body clears the medication.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

If you're on methotrexate and experience mouth sores, unusual fatigue, nausea, yellowing skin or eyes, or reduced urination, this test can help check whether drug levels are too high. Signs of infection, unexplained bruising, or bleeding while on methotrexate are also reasons to get levels checked. These symptoms can point to slower drug clearance and a higher risk of toxicity.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Because methotrexate clearance is often time-sensitive, especially after high-dose treatment, your results will be posted to your account as soon as they're available. You'll be able to view your value and reference range right away and download the full report.

What does high methotrexate mean?

A high methotrexate level means the drug hasn't cleared from your body as quickly as expected, which raises the risk of side effects like kidney stress, mouth sores, or low blood cell counts. This is closely tied to how your kidneys are processing the drug and how much fluid and urine output you're maintaining. If your level comes back high, seek medical care promptly, since this may require adjusted rescue therapy or extra fluids to help your body clear the drug safely.

What does low methotrexate mean?

A lower-than-expected methotrexate level generally means the drug is clearing from your system on the expected timeline, which is a good sign during rescue therapy. However, if levels drop too quickly during active cancer treatment, it could mean the dose isn't staying in your system long enough to be effective. Tracking your levels over several cycles helps show whether your clearance pattern is consistent.

What causes high methotrexate levels?

High levels are often caused by reduced kidney function, dehydration, or drug interactions that slow down how methotrexate is processed and removed from the body. Certain other medications, including some pain relievers and antibiotics, can also interfere with clearance. Staying well hydrated and avoiding interacting medications during treatment, as directed on your treatment plan, supports normal clearance.

How often should I retest?

During high-dose methotrexate treatment, levels are usually checked at set intervals after each dose, often starting 24 hours later and continuing until the level drops to a safe range. Your treatment schedule will guide exact timing, but frequent monitoring in the days right after a high dose is standard. Discuss the specific retesting schedule that matches your treatment protocol.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your methotrexate level is higher than expected, seek medical care right away, since this may call for additional fluids, urine alkalinization, or extra rescue medication to help your body clear the drug. Staying hydrated and following your treatment team's timing instructions for rescue doses are key steps you can take. Use the trends feature to keep track of how your levels change across each monitoring draw so patterns are easy to spot.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Methotrexate Test - Chemotherapy Drug Level Monitoring

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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