Vancomycin, Serum, Peak
Also known as: Vancocin®
Use
Use of intravenous vancomycin should be restricted to serious infections caused by susceptible staphylococci or other gram-positive bacteria when other antibiotics are ineffective or not tolerated.
Special Instructions
Peak levels should be ordered using Test No. 070327. Trough levels should be ordered using Test No. 070328. Please label tubes appropriately as "peak" and "trough."
Limitations
Vancomycin is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and does not penetrate the uninflamed meninges well. Dosage reductions are necessary for patients with renal insufficiency. The use of gel-barrier tubes is not recommended due to slow absorption of the drug by the gel. Hemolysis, lipemia, and gross bacterial contamination can cause rejection of specimens.
Methodology
Immunoassay
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 4090-7
- 4090-7
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Container
Red-top tube, lavender-top (K2- or K3- EDTA) tube, or green-top (heparin) tube. Do not use a gel-barrier tube.
Collection Instructions
Transfer separated serum or plasma to a plastic transport tube. Both peak and trough concentrations should be monitored. The trough sample is drawn immediately prior to the next dose.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate
Causes for Rejection
Gel-barrier tube; hemolysis; lipemia; gross bacterial contamination
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant