Plasma

Plasma Separator Tube 4.5 mL

Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.

3 mL whole blood in light green top or ONE Microtainer^® for pediatric patients.

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)

Peak levels: 20-25 μg/mL (45-75 minutes after I.M. dose or 
15-30 minutes after I.V. dose).

Trough levels: 5-10 μg/mL (not more than 30 minutes before next 
dose).

Critical value: >35 μg/mL

Kanamycin interferes with measurement of amikacin, giving falsely elevated results.

Patient samples which contain kanamycin A, kanamycin B, 3', or 4' dideoxykanamycin B will yield falsely elevated values for amikacin. However, these drugs are not usually coadministered with amikacin. High concentration of penicillins or cephalosporins have been shown to inactivate aminoglycosides in vitro. The degree of inactivation is dependent on the particular aminoglycoside being measured, the type and concentration of the penicillin or cephalosporin that is also present and the storage conditions of the sample. Samples from patients receiving additional antibiotics of these types should be assayed immediately or stored frozen.

Hemolysis: No significant interference up to an H index of 1000 (approximate hemoglobin concentration: 1000 mg/dL).

Lipemia: No significant interference up to an L index of 2000 (approximate triglycerides concentration: 4000 mg/dL). Note there is poor correlation between turbidity and triglyceride concentration.

Icterus: No significant interference up to an I index of 50 (approximate conjugated and unconjugated bilirubin concentration: 50 mg/dL).

Kinetic Interaction of Microparticles in Solution (KIMS)

Centrifuge at a speed and time necessary to get barrier separation of plasma/serum and cells within 1 hour of collection. Send specimen in original tube. Do Not transfer to another tube.
Each sample must be labeled with at least TWO full patient identifiers (First/Last Name & DOB are sufficient for non-UIHC affiliated clients) to avoid sample rejection/delays.

Refrigerate.
All sample storage requirements are intended for delivery to UIHC within 24 hours of collection for testing. If samples won't arrive in this time period, please call the UIHC Core Lab for alternative storage/shipping instructions (319-356-3527).

Place labeled specimen into zip-lock type biohazard bag; seal bag.
Place completed requisition into outside pocket of bag.
Transport in cooler with refrigerated coolant packs.

See Additional Information:
Chemistry Critical Lab Values