Sample type: Serum

Test name: Gentamicin

Timing of samples: In most situations a pre-dose is recommended. Please see Microbiology Clinical Guidelines on Link.

Test information required: When requesting please include the time and date of dose and sample, and state if it is pre/post-dose or a random sample

Results: Results > 1mg/L on a pre-dose or random sample will be telephoned to the clinical team (except NICU and home dialysis patients)

Reference range: Please check timing of blood sampling in relation to previous dose administration, in order to interpret this result correctly. The interpretation below applies to pre-dose levels, in other situations refer to clinical guidelines.
For extended interval (once daily) dosing in adults, pre-dose levels should be ≤1mg/L. If the level is > 1mg/L WITHHOLD further doses until the pre-dose level is within range.
If the patient is prescribed gentamicin for endocarditis, please discuss all levels with a microbiologist.
North Bristol Guidance for Extended Interval Intravenous (Once Daily Dosing) Gentamicin Treatment in Adults can be found on the intranet via Clinical Guidelines>Core Clinical>Microbiology. Please ring the microbiology team if advice is required.

Container: Serum (Gold top)

Alternative container: Lithium heparin (green top)

Ideal volume (mL): 5mL

Referred outside NBT for analysis? No

Discipline: Clinical Biochemistry

Turnaround time: Hospital patients 4 hours

link.nbt.nhs.uk/Interact/Pages/Section/ContentListing.aspx?subsection=9600

Re-assay interval: Please follow Microbiology clinical guidelines on Link