Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

2 mL aliquot serum or plasma; minimum 0.2 mL.

The date and time of the last drug dose should be written on request at the time of order. Typically peak level specimens are collected shortly after the dose is given and trough level specimens are collected shortly before the dose is given. Refer to your prescribing pharmacy for specific information on how drug doses are to be administered along with timing of specimen collection.

Allow serum to clot. Centrifuge to separate serum or plasma within 2 hours of collection.

Refrigerated (preferred) or frozen.

Refrigerated: 1 week. Frozen: 2 weeks.

Stability limits exceeded.

6 - 10 ug/mL.

Peak gentamicin, gentamicin last dose time, gentamicin last dose date.

PGENT

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used in the treatment of gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infections, especially Pseudomonas, Proteus, Klebsiella, and Staphylococcus. Serial monitoring of peak and trough serum levels provides the physician with information to maintain safe and therapeutic levels.