Sample type: Serum

Test name: Benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G)

Condition / Indication: Requesters have found these assays to be of value in cases of suspected neurotoxicity and patients with renal impairment and/or receiving high doses

Advance warning: Please telephone at least one day in advance of the sample. Please note this is a non UKAS accredited assay. Our core working hours for this assay are (Mon – Fri 09:00 – 17:15). Please contact laboratory to discuss the possibility of this assay being performed on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Special precautions & notes: Samples should NOT be sent by post since the drug is liable to degradation. Send courier, frozen or on ice.

Sample required: Approx. 1-2mL of separated serum (the minimum acceptable is 100µL). Samples must be sealed and packed to conform to current regulations. Leaking samples may not be processed.

Timing of samples: We recommend a pre dose sample and a post dose sample, taken 1h after the end of iv/im administration.

Test information required: • Patient name, sex and age
• Laboratory number
• Dosage, frequency and timing of samples
• Clinical Summary
• Other medications (essential)
• Address for report
• Phone (fax if preferred) number for report or email address for an electronic copy
• Contact name
• Appropriate hazard warnings

Results: Results will be telephoned/faxed or emailed on the day of receipt for samples received between 9 am and 3 pm Monday to Friday. A written confirmation report will be sent by post.

Reference range: Interpretations of concentrations are patient specific.

Container: Serum (Gold top)

Referred outside NBT for analysis? No

Discipline: Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory

Turnaround time: <3 days

Re-assay interval: Depending on patient concentrations and patient progression.