Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Assay to quantify levels of the antiviral drugs ganciclovir or valganciclovir in blood. Routine monitoring of patients on ganciclovir/valganciclovir is not recommended. Levels may be useful in certain situations such as; to confirm adequate drug levels where CMV levels remain high despite adequate drug dosing, where there are concerns regarding absorption in patients on oral treatment, where pharmacokinetics are variable (e.g. in renal failure or young infants).
For patients on IV ganciclovir levels should be send before the dose and 1 hr after.
For oral valganciclovir levels should be send before the dose and 2 hrs after.
Specimen container paediatric:
Clotted blood
Specimen container adult:
Clotted blood – Gold SST
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 ml
Minimum volume adult:
5 ml
Special requirements:
Send to laboratory as quickly as possible. If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Sample stability:
Stable for up to 24 hours
Transport requirements:
Standard
Add on test:
N/A
Quality assurance:
Sample referred to Reference Laboratory
Interpretation:
- Expected levels (mg/L) Pre 0.5-1.0
- Post 7-9 (ganciclovir)
- Post 5-7 (valganciclovir) Re-assay interval 4-8d
Reference Ranges:
- Expected levels (mg/L)
- Pre 0.5-1.0
- Post 7-9 (ganciclovir)
- Post 5-7 (valganciclovir)
- Re-assay interval 4-8d
Factors Affecting Result:
- Samples should be clearly marked as pre/post dose.
- If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Referenced Documents:
Ganciclovir | North Bristol NHS Trust (nbt.nhs.uk)
Other info:
Sample referred to Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory, Bristol