Clozapine therapy requires monitoring of which laboratory parameter due to risk of agranulocytosis?

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Multiple Choice

Clozapine therapy requires monitoring of which laboratory parameter due to risk of agranulocytosis?

Explanation:
Clozapine carries a serious risk of agranulocytosis, a dangerous drop in neutrophils that can lead to severe infection. To detect this early, clinicians monitor the absolute neutrophil count, which directly reflects neutrophil levels and neutropenia risk. Ferritin, HbA1c, and calcium do not assess neutrophil status or infection risk, so they aren’t used to monitor for agranulocytosis. Regular ANC checks, especially in the early months of treatment, guide decisions about continuing, adjusting, or stopping clozapine.

Clozapine carries a serious risk of agranulocytosis, a dangerous drop in neutrophils that can lead to severe infection. To detect this early, clinicians monitor the absolute neutrophil count, which directly reflects neutrophil levels and neutropenia risk. Ferritin, HbA1c, and calcium do not assess neutrophil status or infection risk, so they aren’t used to monitor for agranulocytosis. Regular ANC checks, especially in the early months of treatment, guide decisions about continuing, adjusting, or stopping clozapine.

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