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Vancomycin Level, Serum

Vancocin

Test Codes

LEVEL: Antrim: 17520, EPIC: LAB5430, Beaker: VANCO, PEAK: Antrim: 17247, EPIC: LAB5431, Beaker: VANCP, TROUGH: Antrim: 17518, EPIC: LAB5432, Beaker: VANCT

Department

Chemistry

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One plain Red-top tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 1.0 mL)

Also acceptable (not preferred): One Gold-top SST tube.

See Minimum Pediatric Specimen Requirements for Microtainer^® collection.
Time of Collection: Consult Pharmacy Dosing Service.
It is common for PEAK measurements to be drawn 1 hour following the cessation of an IV infusion.
It is common for TROUGH measurements to be drawn just prior to the next dosage administration.
Record the exact time of specimen collection on the tube or in the computer system.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimens clot 30-60 minutes and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the collection tube within two hours of collection. (Minimum: 1.0 mL blood)

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Collection tube, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 1.0 mL blood)

Rejection Criteria

Severely lipemic or hemolyzed specimens.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimens clot 30-60 minutes. Centrifuge specimen to separate serum from cells. Deliver an aliquot of serum or the collection tube immediately to the appropriate testing station.

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Collection Tubes
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 24 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 3 months

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Dearborn Chemistry Laboratory
Farmington Hills Chemistry Laboratory
Grosse Pointe Chemistry Laboratory
Royal Oak Chemistry Laboratory
Taylor Chemistry Laboratory
Trenton Chemistry Laboratory
Troy Chemistry Laboratory
Wayne Chemistry Laboratory 

Performed

Sunday – Saturday, 24 hours a day.
This assay is available STAT with 24 hours notice for nursing home facilities.
Routine results available within 24 hours.

Reference Range

Peak Levels: 30-45 mcg/mL (Critical: Greater than 50 mcg/mL)
Trough Levels: Less than or equal to 20 mcg/mL (Critical: Greater than 25 mcg/mL)

Test Methodology

Particle Enhanced Turbidemtric Inhibition Immunoassay.

Interpretation

Vancomycin is eliminated predominantly by the kidneys. Individuals with impaired renal function will probably require a decrease in dose or an increase in their dosing interval.

Clinical Utility

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic which is bactericidal against many gram-positive and some gram-negative cocci. It is used to treat severe staphylococcal infections in patients who cannot receive or who have failed to respond to the penicillins and cephalosporins.

Vancomycin should be used with care due to its potential nephrotoxic and ototoxic effects. This assay aids in the diagnosis and treatment of vancomycin overdose and in monitoring levels of vancomycin to ensure appropriate therapy.

CPT Codes

80202

Contacts

Last Updated

10/17/2023