Skip to page content

We use cookies to provide you with a better service. Carry on browsing if you’re happy with this or read more about our cookie policy and privacy policy.

Dismiss

Amikacin levels

Microbiology

Notes

  • These tests are referred to a Regional Reference Centre
  • Amikacin levels are non-urgent investigations and efforts should be made to avoid routine testing (and sampling) at weekends.
  • If necessary, assays can be arranged for Saturday mornings and most Bank Holidays, but must be received by the Microbiology Department at GRH by 8.00 am. Please telephone the laboratory to inform us that such a sample has been taken, requires testing and to confirm transport arrangements for the sample to the Microbiology Department at GRH
  • Amikacin levels are performed for us in Southmead. For a sample to be tested on a Saturday the testing lab in Southmead must receive the sample by 10 am
  • There is no routine service available on Sundays – however transport and testing can be arranged if the Microbiology Department have been informed in advance of the intention to do an Amikacin that would need transporting and testing on a Sunday morning
  • There is no routine service available on Bank Holidays – however transport and testing can be arranged if the Microbiology Department have been informed in advance of the intention to do an Amikacin that would need transporting and testing on a Bank Holiday

When to test

  • Only a pre-dose level needs to be tested normally. Post-dose levels (1 hour post dose) are not routinely required.
  • The initial pre-dose assay sample should be collected immediately before the second dose is given. Give the second dose and then wait for the Amikacin levels to be reported
  • If a patient is on a prolonged course of amikacin (>1 week) and the initial levels are satisfactory, repeat levels should be monitored weekly
  • If the initial levels are unsatisfactory and the amikacin regimen needs to be modified, refer to the Amikacin Policy for advice on repeat sampling. The Consultant Microbiologist can also advise on repeat sampling, if necessary.

Clinical Information required

  • Brief pertinent clinical summary
  • Amikacin dose and frequency
  • Date and time of last dose
  • Date and time sample collected

Please ensure that the laboratory is informed if samples are from an HIV positive patient. Blood samples from HIV positive patients must be heat treated before they are sent to the reference laboratory.

Result interpretation

  • Results are reported with a standard interpretative comment that gives the recommended target (normal) levels
  • If there is any doubt regarding interpretation, contact the Consultant Microbiologist.

Normal levels:

Target levels for once daily dosing - Once Daily Pre dose <5mg/L

Sample Requirements

Full size

Serum

Samples must NOT be taken via lines

8.5ml of blood taken into a plain gel tube

Storage/transport

Store at fridge temperature

Transport as soon as possible at ambient temperature

Turnaround time

Results usually available within 36 hours – however, results may take longer if samples sent at a weekend and the laboratory have not been informed in advance of the need to arrange testing out of hours.

Results will be entered onto the laboratory computer system and reported as soon as practicable – these will be available electronically in the results tab of Sunrise EPR.

Back to top