This test measures the concentration of vancomycin in the blood. Vancomycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. Developed in the 1950s, vancomycin was originally prescribed primarily when organisms proved resistant to penicillin or when a person was allergic to penicillin. Its use declined with the introduction of other antibiotics such as methicillin, but has risen again…This test measures the concentration of vancomycin in the blood. Vancomycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. Developed in the 1950s, vancomycin was originally prescribed primarily when organisms proved resistant to penicillin or when a person was allergic to penicillin. Its use declined with the introduction of other antibiotics such as methicillin, but has risen again with the emergence of methicillin-resistant strains of staphylococcus, such as Staphylococcus aureus (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, MRSA). Intravenous vancomycin may be given to treat infections such as septicaemia (infection of the blood), endocarditis (infection of the membrane surrounding the heart), osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), some pneumonias, and meningitis (infection of the spinal cord). It is often the drug of choice for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus epidermidis and staphylococcus aureus infections, especially when they are associated with implanted devices such as heart valves, artificial hips, and indwelling catheters. Vancomycin may also be given to prevent an infection (prophylactically) to some people before specific surgical and dental procedures where there is a high risk of MRSA. Vancomycin is normally given intravenously to get the drug into the circulation because vancomycin is poorly absorbed through the intestine. However, oral vancomycin may be prescribed to treat some resistant Clostridium difficile infections which occur in the gastrointestinal tract,where absorption into the circulation is not needed. Vancomycin may also be added to dialysis fluid to treat peritonitis associated with peritoneal dialysis. The effectiveness of vancomycin depends on maintaining blood levels at a minimum concentration for the duration of therapy. It is also necessary to avoid excessive concentrations of vancomycin because high levels can result in damage to some organs, specifically the ears (hearing damage, ototoxicity) and kidney damage (nephrotoxicity). The dose of vancomycin to be given in individual circumstances depends on a variety of factors, including how well the kidney is functioning, the presence of other drugs which might have caused kidney damage and the patient’s age and weight. Vancomycin is eliminated from the body through the kidneys. A patient with reduced kidney function may not be able to remove the drug from their system effectively, which will cause an increased concentration in the blood. Lower doses are used in patients with reduced kidney function, On the other hand, if a patient is given too little drug and is unable to maintain a sufficient minimum level in the blood, then it is unlikely that the infection will be completely eradicated. The vancomycin blood test can be used to monitor the amount of drug in the blood to ensure that it is adequate but not excessive. How is the sample collected for testing? A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? None, but timing of the sample for testing is important; follow any instructions provided See MoreSee Less
