Test Directory
Antibiotic Assay
Containers - Adult
Brown Cap, Gel Clotted
|
Volume Range
1-10 ml |
Containers - Child
White Cap - Paediatric
|
Volume Range
>0.2 ml
Additive per Container
None |
Reference ranges
References ranges will be shown on the report.
Laboratory Site
Southmead Road
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS10 5NB
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Transport arrangements
Transport as soon as practicable.
Sample storage arrangements
If delay in transporting, store in fridge (4-6°C).
Special instructions for collection
To measure levels of other antimicrobials in serum e.g. antifungals, aminoglycosides, glycopeptides, anti-TB drugs, colistin (but not vancomycin, gentamicin and tobramycin which are processed locally.)
Processed in reference laboratory (Bristol or Cardiff) after being sent from NHS Lothian.
Therapeutic drug monitoring for anti-TB medications requires specific sample types and processes depending on which drug and which laboratory the sample is going to. Please follow the guidelines here when planning to sample for TDM - "Guidance for therapeutic monitoring of TB medication".
How to request
Via TRAK (" e.g. Teicoplanin assay" and amend sample time to pre-dose, post-dose, or random, as relevant.) Alternatively, for antibiotics not listed on Trak, order via request form.
For anti-TB medication monitoring, please follow the guidelines carefully when requesting to ensure the right sample is taken at the right time, and labelled with the right details to be able to be processed. At the time of writing, TB TDM must be requested on separate bacteriology request forms. To assist with local processing of samples, please write "FOR REFERRED SEROLOGY", and "PLEASE DO NOT SPIN" on the form(s).
Availability
Samples will be posted from Mon - Thurs, please avoid taking samples on other days.
Anticipated turnaround
Up to 5 days.
What happens if the result is positive or abnormal
Result will appear on TRAK and if necessary phoned by a microbiologist.
General additional information
For more information about the tests available and their results interpretation please use:
NHS Severn Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory Guideline Ranges for TDM (2022-2023)