Pharmacology · single question
A patient is taking methotrexate and adalimumab (Humira). What laboratory test is most important to obtain before dental treatment?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
✓ B) CBC (Complete Blood Count) is correct.
Methotrexate (immunosuppressant/DMARD) and adalimumab (anti-TNF biologic) both suppress the immune system and bone marrow. CBC is critical to evaluate: WBC count (risk of infection), neutrophil count (neutropenia risk), platelet count (bleeding risk), and hemoglobin. Before invasive dental procedures, you need to know if the patient is immunocompromised (risk of infection) or has thrombocytopenia (risk of bleeding). Creatinine may also be relevant for methotrexate (renal clearance), but CBC is the most immediate pre-dental concern.
Methotrexate (immunosuppressant/DMARD) and adalimumab (anti-TNF biologic) both suppress the immune system and bone marrow. CBC is critical to evaluate: WBC count (risk of infection), neutrophil count (neutropenia risk), platelet count (bleeding risk), and hemoglobin. Before invasive dental procedures, you need to know if the patient is immunocompromised (risk of infection) or has thrombocytopenia (risk of bleeding). Creatinine may also be relevant for methotrexate (renal clearance), but CBC is the most immediate pre-dental concern.