Timed Specimen Collection

Frequently, physicians order laboratory procedures that require the collection of testing samples at specific times. These are referred to as ‘timed’ tests. Due to the importance of the time the specimen is collected in relationship to the drug dosing, it is very important that the laboratory be contacted a minimum of 12 hours prior to the desired collection time, though 24 hours lead time is preferred, to assure that personnel are available to collect the specimen.

Certain antibiotic levels such as Amikacin, Gentamicin, Tobramycin and Vancomycin are often ordered at specific times before and/or after the administration of the drug to monitor the drugs peak and trough levels. Trough levels are drawn prior to the drug administration, and peak levels are drawn after the drug has been administered. Since drug administration should occur at specific times, laboratory personnel do their best to work around the administration schedule.

When contacting the laboratory, please ensure that the time of the dose administration is provided to the dispatcher.

COLLECTION GUIDELINES

In the event that facility staff are collecting the timed specimens, strict adherence to the following guidelines is essential to ensure appropriate reporting:

1. Complete a separate laboratory requisition for each timed specimen
2. Indicate clearly on each requisition the type of drug being monitored (ex. Amikacin, Vancomycin)
3. Indicate in the box provided, the dose quantity, dose time, and the type of administration (IV, IM, etc.)
4. Indicate the type of level, peak, trough or random
5. Obtain the blood sample as near to the requested time as possible (collection times are noted in the NICL Laboratories LTC manual)
6. Label each specimen with the following: Patient Name, Patient’s date of birth, collection date and time
7. Place each specimen in a separate collection bag accompanied by the corresponding laboratory requisition

Failure to follow these collection guidelines may result in rejection of the specimen as unsuitable for testing.

Consult your Customer Service Representative with any questions on this topic.

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