Sign in →

Test Code GENT Gentamicin Level Random, LAB27

Performing Laboratory

St. Luke's Hospital Cedar Rapids

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:

Preferred:  Mint green-top (lithium heparin) tube

Acceptable:  Serum, Li-heparin, Na-heparin, or Na-EDTA plasma

Specimen Volume: A minimum sample volume of 1.3 µL plus a dead volume is required for testing.

Stability:  Stable for 1 week at 2-8 ⁰C or 4 weeks at -15 to -25 ⁰C. 

Collection Instructions: Random gentamicin level should be ordered when patient is on 1 dose per day therapy.  Levels may be ordered any time toxicity is suspected.  Specimens should not be drawn or stored in glass.

Reference Values

No established reference values

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Useful For

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic which exhibits high potency and a broad spectrum bacterial action against both gram-negative and gram-positive organisms.  It exhibits a narrow therapeutic index which makes its use hazardous, especially in patients with impaired renal function.

Methodology

Enzyme Immunoassay

Test Classification and CPT Coding

80170

Report Available

STAT within 1 hour of receipt

Routine within 2 hours of receipt