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Test ID: TOBPA    
Tobramycin, Peak, Serum

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Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Monitoring adequacy of serum concentration during tobramycin therapy

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Tobramycin is an antibiotic used to treat life-threatening blood infections caused by gram-negative bacilli, particularly Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter (all species), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Providencia stuartii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Serratia species. It is often used in combination with beta-lactam therapy.

 

A tobramycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of less than 4.0 mcg/mL is considered susceptible for gram-negative bacilli, while a MIC of greater than 8.0 mcg/mL is considered resistant.

 

Toxicities include ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity. This risk is enhanced in presence of other ototoxic or nephrotoxic drugs. Monitoring of serum levels, renal function, and symptoms consistent with ototoxicity is important. For longer durations of use, audiology and vestibular testing should be considered at baseline and periodically during therapy.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Therapeutic: 3.0-12.0 mcg/mL

Toxic: >12.0 mcg/mL

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Target peak concentrations depend on the type of infection being treated. Peak levels for most infections using conventional dosing are 3.0 to 12.0 mcg/mL. Prolonged exposure to peak concentrations exceeding 12.0 mcg/mL may lead to toxicity.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

No significant cautionary statements

Clinical Reference Recommendations for in-depth reading of a clinical nature

1. Hammett-Stabler CA, Johns T: Laboratory guidelines for monitoring of antimicrobial drugs. Clin Chem 1998;44(5):1129-1140

2. Moyer TP: Therapeutic drug monitoring. In Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry. Fourth edition. Edited by CA Burtis, ER Ashwood, Philadelphia, WB Saunders Company, 2006

3. Wilson JW, Estes LL: Mayo Clinic Antimicrobial Therapy Quick Guide. Mayo Clinic Scientific Press and Informa Healthcare USA, 2008