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: 3 days. Frozen: 1 month.

Stability limits exceeded.

0.5 - 2.0 mcg/mL.

Trough tobramycin, tobramycin last dose time, tobramycin last dose date.

TTOBRA

Tobramycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used in the treatment of gram-negative bacterial infections, especially Pseudomonas, Proteus, Klebsiella, and also Staphyloccocus. Tobramycin is potentially nephrotoxic and ototoxic, and serial monitoring of peak and trough serum levels may provide the clinician with information to maintain safe and therapeutic levels.