Gentamicin, Serum, Trough
Also known as: Garamycin®, Gentak®
Use
The Gentamicin Serum Trough test is used to monitor the level of gentamicin in the blood before the next dose is administered. Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Monitoring is essential to ensure therapeutic effectiveness while minimizing toxicity risks. The trough level is typically measured just before the next scheduled dose to ensure the drug concentration is within the therapeutic range and to prevent nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity.
Special Instructions
Please ensure that tubes are appropriately labeled as 'trough.' For peak levels, use Test No. 007162. Specimens must be ordered and processed correctly to avoid delays in testing. Labeling inconsistencies can lead to test inaccuracies and additional follow-up processes.
Limitations
The test can only measure free gentamicin levels in serum, and factors such as incorrect patient preparation, improper specimen handling, or delayed processing may affect results. There is a detection limit of 0.3 µg/mL, values below this indicate no detected gentamicin. The test does not account for potential drug-drug interactions or distinguish between different forms of gentamicin if multiple types are administered in parallel. Results must be interpreted in the context of clinical findings and other laboratory data.
Methodology
Immunoassay
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 3665-7
- 3665-7
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Collection Instructions
Label specimens as 'trough' to differentiate from peak levels. Collect blood just before the next scheduled dose. Avoid hemolysis and contamination.
Causes for Rejection
Improperly labeled specimens, hemolysis, or contaminated samples.