Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens

Preferred: Plasma

Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) tube(s). For pediatric specimen, draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) MICROTAINER(S)®. Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated. Plasma for trough level should be drawn just prior to next dose. Samples may be stored at 2-8C for up to forty eight (48) hours or frozen for longer storage. Do not use samples that have been sotred at room temperature for more than eight (8) hours.

Note:  1. Indicate plasma on request form.

2. Specimen should be drawn at steady-state, usually after fifth dose, if drug is given every 8 hours; or third dose, if drug is given every 12 hours.

3. Patient specimens containing the drugs Sisomycin® and Netilmicin® will yield falsely elevated values for gentamicin.

4. If dosage and dosing information are provided, they will be included on report to enhance clinical interpretation.

5. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw, phlebotomist’s initials, and as plasma.

Alternate: Serum

Draw blood in a serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated. Serum for trough level should be drawn just prior to next dose. Samples may be stored at 2-8C for up to forty eight (48) hours or frozen for longer storage. Do not use samples that have been sotred at room temperature for more than eight (8) hours.

Note:  1. Indicate serum on request form.

2. Specimen should be drawn at steady-state, usually after fifth dose, if drug is given every 8 hours; or third dose, if drug is given every 12 hours.

3. Patient specimens containing the drugs Sisomycin® and Netilmicin® will yield falsely elevated values for gentamicin.

4. If dosage and dosing information are provided, they will be included on report to enhance clinical interpretation.

5. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of draw, phlebotomist’s initials, and as Serum.