Gentamicin, Peak and Trough

Test Code

444

CPT Codes
80170 (x2)

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum collected in each of two separate red-top tubes (no gel)

Patient Preparation
Collect peak at the end of a 60 minute IV infusion, 30 minutes after the end of a 30 minute IV infusion or 60 minutes after the IM dose. Collect as a trough just before next dose.

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL for each specimen

Other Acceptable Specimens

Plasma collected in: Sodium heparin (green-top) tube, lithium heparin (green-top) tube or EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Serum separator tube (SST)

Methodology
Immunoassay (IA)

Setup Schedule

Sets up 6 days a week.

Clinical Significance

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used in the treatment of gram positive and gram-negative bacterial infections, especially Pseudomonas, Proteus, Klebsiella and Staphylococcus. Gentamicin is potentially nephrotoxic and ototoxic and serial monitoring of peak and trough serum levels may provide the clinician with information to maintain safe and therapeutic levels.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.