Sample type: Serum

Test name: Teicoplanin

Condition / Indication: While not in all patients, therapeutic drug monitoring may be of value in severe sepsis, MRSA infection, deep-seated staphylococcal infection, bone and joint infection, iv drug mis-users, infective endocarditis, unexpected therapeutic failure, and elderly or renally impaired patients

Advance warning: Not normally required during our core working hours (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: Teicoplanin binds to glass and plastics and therefore there may be a significant loss of drug if a small volume of serum is dispatched in a relatively large container. Please try and fill the containers to 2/3 – 3/4 its capacity.

Sample required: Approx. 1-2mL of separated serum (the minimum acceptable is 100µL). Samples may be sent by post. Transport time must be <4 weeks. Samples should be kept at 4°c if there is a delay in sending. Please contact laboratory if in doubt as sample integrity may be affected. Samples must be sealed and packed to conform to current regulations. Leaking samples may not be processed.

Timing of samples: Pre dose sample only required.

Test information required: • Patient name, sex and age
• Laboratory number
• Dosage, frequency and timing of samples
• Clinical Summary
• 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: Staph. Aureus
a)      Skin and soft tissue infection – Pre dose 15-30 mg/L but <60mg/L
b)      Bone and Joint infection – Pre dose 20-40 mg/L but <60 mg/L
c)      Infective endocarditis – Pre dose 30-40 mg/L but <60 mg/L
d)      OPAT on 25 mg/kg 3x per week – Pre dose 20-30 mg/L

Container: Serum (Gold top)

Referred outside NBT for analysis? No

Discipline: Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory

Turnaround time: <2 days

Re-assay interval: 6-8 Days – Assuming initial results are within expected range.