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HelpEpic Test Code LAB38 Tobramycin, Trough, Serum
Additional Codes
MML:TOBTA
Useful For
Monitoring adequate clearance of tobramycin near the end of a dosing cycle
Method Name
Immunoassay
Reporting Name
Tobramycin, Trough, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Draw blood no more than 30 minutes before next scheduled dose.
2. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
3. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days | ||
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Clinical Information
Tobramycin is an antibiotic used to treat life-threatening blood infections by gram-negative bacilli, particularly Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter (all species), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia stuartii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia species. It is often used in combination with beta-lactam therapy.
A tobramycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of less than 4.0 mcg/mL is considered susceptible for gram-negative bacilli, while a MIC of greater than 8.0 mcg/mL is considered resistant.
Toxicities include ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. This risk is enhanced in presence of other ototoxic or nephrotoxic drugs. Monitoring of serum levels, renal function, and symptoms consistent with ototoxicity is important. For longer durations of use, audiology and vestibular testing should be considered at baseline and periodically during therapy.
Reference Values
Therapeutic: <2.0 mcg/mL
Toxic: >2.0 mcg/mL
Interpretation
Goal levels depend on the type of infection being treated. Goal trough levels should be below 2.0 mcg/mL for conventional (nonpulse) dosing. Prolonged exposure to trough levels exceeding 2.0 mcg/mL may lead to toxicity.
Cautions
No significant cautionary statements
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysSpecimen Retention Time
1 weekPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
80200
NY State Approved
YesForms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.