Specimen Requirements

Trough levels should be drawn a half hour before the next dose of gentamicin.

Separated specimens may be stored for up to 8 hours at 25°C or for up to 2 days at 2 - 8°C

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Plasma

Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) plasma gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated. Plasma for a trough level should be drawn 30 minutes before next dose.

Note:  1. Indicate date and time of last dose and plasma on request form.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

Serum

Draw blood in a serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated. Serum for a trough level should be drawn 30 minutes before next dose.

Note:  1. Indicate date and time of last dose and serum on request form.

2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Unspun specimens must be transported at ambient temperature and arrive to the laboratory within one hour of draw.