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HelpTest ID: TOBRA Tobramycin, Random, Serum
Useful For
Monitoring adequacy of serum concentration during tobramycin therapy
This unit code is used whenever a specimen is submitted or collected without collection timing information. The phlebotomist should use this unit code if she or he does not know if this is a peak or trough specimen.
Method Name
Immunoassay
Reporting Name
Tobramycin, Random, SSpecimen Type
SerumOrdering Guidance
Serum for a peak level should be drawn 30 to 60 minutes after last dose (order TOBPA / Tobramycin, Peak, Serum).
Serum for a trough level should be drawn no more than 30 minutes before next scheduled dose (order TOBTA / Tobramycin, Trough, Serum).
Specimen Required
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection.
2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged and aliquoted within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days | ||
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Clinical Information
Tobramycin is an antibiotic used to treat life-threatening blood infections by gram-negative bacilli, particularly Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter (all species), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia stuartii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia. It is often used in combination with beta-lactam therapy.
A tobramycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of less than 4.0 mcg/mL is considered susceptible for gram-negative bacilli, while a MIC of greater than 8.0 mcg/mL is considered resistant.
Toxicities include ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. This risk is enhanced in presence of other ototoxic or nephrotoxic drugs. Monitoring of serum levels, renal function, and symptoms consistent with ototoxicity is important. For longer durations of use, audiology and vestibular testing should be considered at baseline and periodically during therapy.
Reference Values
TOBRAMYCIN, PEAK
Therapeutic: 3.0-12.0 mcg/mL
Toxic: >12.0 mcg/mL
TOBRAMYCIN, TROUGH
Therapeutic: <2.0 mcg/mL
Toxic: >2.0 mcg/mL
Interpretation
Target peak concentrations depend on the type of infection being treated. Goal trough levels should be below 2.0 mcg/mL. Concentrations refer to conventional (non-pulse) dosing. Prolonged exposure to either peak levels exceeding 12.0 mcg/mL or trough levels exceeding 2.0 mcg/mL may lead to toxicity.
Clinical Reference
1. Hammett-Stabler CA, Johns T: Laboratory Guidelines for Monitoring of Antimicrobial Drugs. Clin Chem 1998;44(5):1129-1140
2. Moyer TP: Therapeutic drug monitoring. In Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry. Fourth edition. Edited by CA Burtis, ER Ashwood, Philadelphia, WB Saunders Company, 2006
3. Wilson JW, Estes LL: Mayo Clinic Antimicrobial Therapy Quick Guide. Mayo Clinic Scientific Press and Informa Healthcare USA, 2008
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysTest Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| TOBRA | Tobramycin, Random, S | 35670-9 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| TOBRA | Tobramycin, Random, S | 35670-9 |
CPT Code Information
80200
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Therapeutics Test Request (T831) with the specimen.
| mml-antibiotics, mml-drugmonitoring |