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HelpTest Code LAB4628 Vancomycin, 3rd SPEC, Plasma or Serum
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| VANCO 3RD SPEC | LAB4628 | VANC3 |
Useful For/Utility
Vancomycin assay is used for the quantitative determination of vancomycin in human serum or plasma. Vancomycin assay is used in the diagnosis and treatment of vancomycin overdose and in monitoring levels of vancomycin to help ensure appropriate therapy.
Methodology
Particle-Enhanced Turbidimetric Inhibition Immunoassay (PETINIA)
Clinical Information
Vancomycin is commonly used in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections. The peak therapeutic range for vancomycin is between 20 to 40 μg/mL and the trough is 5 to 10 μg/mL. Side effects of vancomycin are deafness (ototoxicity) and renal failure (nephrotoxicity) at levels above therapeutic range
Vancomycin is absorbed minimally from the gastrointestinal tract. In the first 24 hours after intravenous dosing, the usual route of administration, about 90% of the vancomycin is excreted unchanged by the kidneys. The average half-life in patients with normal renal function is about 6 hours.
Therapeutic serum levels vary depending on the microorganism involved and the patient’s tolerance to the drug. Vancomycin serum or plasma concentrations are monitored to guide therapy, since individual patient differences require dose changes that are difficult to predict. Monitoring serum or plasma levels of vancomycin decreases the frequency of serious toxic effects.
Specimen Requirements
Draw specimens according to following schedule:
| Dosage Schedule | Draw Time |
| Q 8 hours | 6 hours after infusion is complete |
| Q 12 hours | 8 hours after infusion is complete |
| Q 18 hours | 12 hours after infusion is complete |
| Q 24 hours | 12 hours after infusion is complete |
Specimen must be refrigerated until test is performed.
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Plasma
Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin gel)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL/pediatric: 0.2 mL in a green top MICROTAINER
Collection Instructions:
Spin down, separate from cells and aliquot within 2 hours of draw.
Additional Information:
1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
2. Specimen should be analyzed in an appropriate period of time to assess dosing.
3. If extreme lipemia-use ultracentrifuged specimen.
4. Label specimen appropriately (time drawn and as plasma).
Alternate:
Specimen Type: Serum
Container/Tube: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL/pediatric: 0.2 mL in a red top MICROTAINER
Collection Instructions:
Spin down, separate from cells and aliquot within 2 hours of draw.
Additional Information:
1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
2. Specimen should be analyzed in an appropriate period of time to assess dosing.
3. If extreme lipemia-use ultracentrifuged specimen.
4. Label specimen appropriately (time drawn and as serum).
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate 5 days if aliquoted/Frozen 14 days OK/Ambient 8 hours OK
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Chemistry-
St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab
Deer River Hospital Lab, Moose Lake Hospital Lab, Sandstone Hospital Lab, SMDC Clinical Lab, St. Mary's Hospital - Superior Lab, Virginia Hospital Lab
Fargo Hospital Lab, Fosston Hospital Lab, St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes Hospital Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
80202
Reference Values
Therapeutic level 20-30 µg/mL