Sample type: Serum

Test name: Rifampicin

Condition / Indication: Requesters have found these assays to be of value in testing compliance or oral absorption or in cases of unexpected therapeutic failure.

Advance warning: Not normally required during our core working hours (Mon – Fri 09:00 – 17:15). Please contact laboratory to discuss the possibility of this assay being performed on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Special precautions & notes: Please note that rifampicin binds to glass and plastics and therefore there may be a significant loss of drug if a small volume of serum is dispatched in a relatively large container. Please try and fill the container to 2/3 – 3/4 its capacity.

Sample required: Approx. 1-2mL of separated serum (the minimum acceptable is 100µL). Samples may be sent by post. Transport time must be <5 days. Samples should be kept at 4°c if there is a delay in sending. Please contact laboratory if in doubt as sample integrity may be affected. Samples must be sealed and packed to conform to current regulations. Leaking samples may not be processed.

Timing of samples: We recommend a pre dose sample and a post dose sample taken 1 hour after iv administration or three post dose samples, taken 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours after oral administration.

Test information required: • Patient name, sex and age
• Laboratory number
• Dosage, frequency and timing of samples
• Clinical Summary
• Other medications (essential)
• Address for report
• Phone (fax if preferred) number for report or email address for an electronic copy
• Contact name
• Appropriate hazard warnings

Results: Results will be telephoned/faxed or emailed on the day of receipt for samples received between 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday. A written confirmation report will be sent by post.

Reference range: Pre <0.5 mg/L
Post <4 mg/L sub-therapeutic
Post 4-8 mg/L usually adequate
Post 8-24 mg/L ideal

Container: Serum (Gold top)

Referred outside NBT for analysis? No

Discipline: Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory

Turnaround time: <3 days

Re-assay interval: Depending on concentrations & patient progression.