Vancomycin, Trough, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC70390Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID VANTACPT Code 80202

Vancomycin, Trough, Serum

Clinical Use

Use

Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat infections caused by gram-positive organisms that are resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics, such as methicillin-resistant staphylococci (MRSA), Streptococcus viridans group, penicillin/cephalosporin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, and penicillin/ampicillin-resistant Enterococcus species. Monitoring trough concentrations drawn at steady-state is preferred for therapeutic monitoring, especially in patients receiving vancomycin therapy. To avoid the development of resistance, vancomycin trough levels should remain above 10.0 mcg/mL. Complicated infections require higher target levels, typically 15.0 to 20.0 mcg/mL.

Special Instructions

In addition to this trough assay, both peak level and random testing are available. Serum for a peak level should be drawn 1 hour after completion of dose, and for random testing, order specific tests. If not ordering electronically, complete and send the Therapeutics Test Request form (T831) with the specimen.

Limitations

As with any assay employing mouse antibodies, there is the possibility of interference by human antimouse antibodies (HAMA), leading to falsely lowered results. Unspecific binding of heterophilic antibodies may also cause falsely lower results in rare cases. The test is limited to detecting trough concentrations and should not be used for peak level monitoring, which may be useful only for pharmacokinetic analyses.

Test Details

FDA Approved