Vancomycin, Trough, Serum
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
Not provided.
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.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay
Biomarkers
Vancomycin
Analyte
LOINC Codes
- 4092-3 - Vancomycin Trough SerPl-mCnc
- 4092-3 - Vancomycin Trough SerPl-mCnc
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Red top tube; Submission: Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Draw specimen immediately prior to the next dose (within 30 minutes). Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 365 days |