Vancomycin assays: Practicalities of taking a sample

• Take a pre-dose sample (gold top serum separator tubes (preferred) or red top tube 5 ml). Post dose samples are NOT required.
• The first assay should be taken just before the 3rd or 4th dose is due. The sample should be labelled as a "pre-dose"
• Post-dose samples are NOT required.
• To give the dose or not?
  • If the patient has significant renal impairment or poor urine output, DO NOT give the next dose.
  • Otherwise, the next dose should be given. DO NOT withhold the next dose whilst awaiting the assay result.
  • After taking a level, do NOT give more than a further 24 hours of treatment to any patient with out knowing the assay result.
• Try to time the dose so it is convenient for levels. The dose must not be significantly delayed just for the blood sample, otherwise the assay result becomes meaningless.
• The request card should be completed with as much information as possible to allow interpretation of the assay result. Click here for further details.

Click here to return to the main Vancomycin assay page.

Page last edited: 24/09/2008

Caution; the antibiotic doses recommended on this website are intended for adult patients with normal renal and liver function unless otherwise stated. Dosing advice for patients with renal impairment is available here.

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