Gentamicin, Trough
Also known as: Garamycin
Use
Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infections, including Pseudomonas, Proteus, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus. Monitoring trough serum levels is important because gentamicin has potential nephrotoxic and ototoxic effects, and serial measurements help clinicians maintain safe and therapeutic concentrations in patients.
Special Instructions
Collect specimen as a trough sample just prior to the next dose.
Limitations
Samples containing carbenicillin or piperacillin should be stored frozen if a delay of more than 8 hours is expected due to potential in vitro inactivation. Sisomicin and high concentrations of penicillins or cephalosporins may interfere with the assay, potentially reducing gentamicin stability or accuracy. Frozen specimens are deemed unacceptable in some contexts.
Methodology
Immunoassay
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Container
Red‑top tube (no gel)
Collection Instructions
Collect as a trough just prior to next dose.
Causes for Rejection
Serum separator tube
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 5 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant