Vancomycin

Clinical Biochemistry

Vancomycin levels are performed in the Clinical Biochemistry Department on the GRH site. Please send requests using a Clinical Biochemistry request form (not Microbiology) to avoid delays in sample receipt and analysis.
Most vancomycin levels are planned (non-urgent) investigations.
Vancomycin levels can be taken at any time of day but the collection time should be convenient for the patient and for the testing laboratory – sampling and testing between 12 midnight and 6 am should be avoided.
Please refer to the Vancomycin Policy for information on dosing and prescribing.

Please refer to the Antibiotic Guidelines Page for information regarding patient preparation.

Samples must NOT be taken via lines.

For Adults, blood taken into a narrow gold top gel tube (or rust top for the Acute Unit).

For children, blood taken into a 3.5mL rust top tube

For neonates, blood taken into a 0.8mL minicollect serum tube

Send at ambient temperature to the laboratory. If unavoidable, store refrigerated until transport available.

The assays are run throughout the day and night.
The in-lab turnaround time is less than 6 hours.
Results are made available on the computer as soon as they are technically approved. Additional comments may be added later by the Consultant Microbiologist when results are clinically approved.
The test can be ordered as an urgent investigation.

Please refer to the Antibiotic Guidelines Page for information regarding therapeutic ranges.

If there is any doubt regarding interpretation, or a dose change needs to be discussed, contact the Consultant Microbiologist.

If you need advice please contact the duty consultant microbiologist or ward pharmacist.

Page last updated: 06/01/2026 | Page last reviewed: 06/01/2026