What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're being treated with ustekinumab (Stelara or a biosimilar) for psoriasis, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis and want to know if your drug levels are in a range linked to better symptom control. It helps if you feel like your symptoms are coming back or aren't fully improving despite staying on treatment. Checking your drug level can help explain why the medication may not be working as well as expected.

What's included in this test?

This test measures the amount of ustekinumab circulating in your blood at its lowest point (trough level), which reflects how much active drug is available between doses. Knowing this number matters because studies show certain concentration ranges are linked to a higher chance of symptoms staying under control, whether you're being treated for psoriasis or inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn's or ulcerative colitis.

What happens after I get my results?

Your ustekinumab level will show up in your account along with the concentration ranges associated with better clinical outcomes, so you can see exactly where your number falls. If your level looks low for your condition and treatment phase, next steps often involve retesting after any dose or schedule adjustments to see if levels improve. If your level is far outside expected ranges or your symptoms are severe, seek medical care right away. A downloadable lab report is available in your account, and you can track your ustekinumab levels over time using the trends feature to see how they change with treatment.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your blood draw. Once processed, they'll be posted directly to your online account where you can view the concentration and what it means for your treatment. You'll get a notification as soon as your report is available.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone currently taking ustekinumab for psoriasis, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis who wants to understand whether their drug dose is producing levels associated with good symptom control should consider this test. It's especially useful if you've noticed your symptoms returning or never fully improved after starting treatment. People switching to a biosimilar version of ustekinumab may also want to confirm their levels are consistent with prior results.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

If you're on ustekinumab and notice your psoriasis plaques flaring up again, or if digestive symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, or blood in your stool return despite treatment for Crohn's or ulcerative colitis, this test can help figure out if drug levels are part of the issue. Increased fatigue or a general sense that the medication has stopped working as well as it used to is also a reason to check your level.

How can I naturally support treatment response while on ustekinumab?

While drug levels are mainly determined by dosing and how your body clears the medication, some general habits may support how well your body responds to treatment. Eating a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet, staying well hydrated, managing stress, and getting consistent sleep can all support your immune system and overall gut or skin health. These habits won't replace your treatment plan, but they can complement it.

What does a low ustekinumab level mean?

A low trough level means there's less active drug in your bloodstream between doses, which has been linked to a lower chance of staying in remission or keeping symptoms controlled. This can happen if your body clears the drug faster than expected, if antibodies against the drug have developed, or if the dosing interval is too long for your needs. If your level comes back low and your symptoms are also active, this is worth flagging in your next treatment discussion.

What causes low ustekinumab levels?

Common reasons for a low level include faster-than-average drug clearance, higher body weight, higher levels of inflammation in the body, or the development of anti-drug antibodies that neutralize the medication. Missed or delayed doses can also lower your trough concentration. Retesting after any dosing adjustments can help clarify whether the level improves.

How often should I retest my ustekinumab level?

Retesting frequency depends on your treatment phase and how your symptoms are behaving, but many people check levels when starting maintenance dosing, after a dose adjustment, or when symptoms change. If your levels and symptoms are stable, testing every several months may be reasonable. Using the trends feature in your account can help you and your care plan track whether levels stay consistent over time.

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.

Ustekinumab Level Test - Monitor Stelara Treatment

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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