Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Chemical Pathology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
VANC
Test Code (Numeric Code)
0811
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
See below Pre-test requirements
Sample Stability
48 hours at 15-25°C, 14 days at 2-8°C, 12 months at -20°C
Synonyms
Plasma/Serum Vancomycin, vanc level
Turnaround Time
3 hours
Specimen Type
- Plasma
- Serum
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
- EDTA (Lavender Cap)
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
- Plain (Red Top)
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
5
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
3.5
No of Samples Required
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)
Acceptable
- Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
- Plain (Red Top)
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Pre-testing Requirements
Sample collection times:
Random Concentration for Area Under the Curve (AUC) monitoring:
- Preferred
- Within 24 hours after loading dose or dose change (at least 1 hour after the end of the infusion)
- Record time the blood was taken
Trough
- For neonates or if AUC monitoring not available
- 30 minutes before next dose
Adults
When using the Vanculator dosing and monitoring guide:
After loading dose - Trough level: within one hour before next dose.
Maintenance dose - Trough level: one hour before the fourth maintenance dose is given.
After changing vancomycin dose - Trough level: one hour before the fourth dose following the change in dose.
Paediatrics
Check a trough level before the 4th dose and then every 3 (-5) days if the level is satisfactory and renal function normal.
Additional Specimen Information
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer PST Blood (Preferred)
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Heparin Blood
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer Plain Blood
0.5 mL Paediatric Microtainer SST Blood
Last updated: 18/09/2026