Amikacin Test
Also known as: Amikacin level test, Serum amikacin assay, Amikacin blood test
Amikacin Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹14,000. Uses Immunoassay on Serum samples. Results in Reports are available after 2-3 weeks from sample submission by the 7th of the month.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Ramarao Paidisetty
Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the Amikacin Test is to monitor serum amikacin levels to optimize therapeutic outcomes and minimize the risk of toxicity. It is indicated for patients undergoing amikacin therapy for bacterial infections, especially those with pre-existing kidney conditions or prolonged treatment courses. By measuring drug concentrations, clinicians can adjust dosages to maintain effective yet safe levels, preventing adverse effects like ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
- Test Code
- 94
- Price
- ₹14,000
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Reports are available after 2-3 weeks from sample submission by the 7th of the month.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Immunoassay
Sample Collection
Ensure the patient has signed the mandatory Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35). No fasting is required, but inform the lab of any medications or health conditions.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
Venipuncture to collect 2 mL serum sample in a Red Top (No Additive) tube. Avoid SST gel barrier tubes. Collect trough sample just prior to next dose or peak sample 30-60 minutes post IV infusion or 60 minutes post IM injection.
Report Delivery
Label the sample correctly and ship refrigerated or frozen. Do not use gel tubes to avoid interference.
Timeline: Reports are available after 2-3 weeks from sample submission by the 7th of the month.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Amikacin Test is to monitor serum amikacin levels to optimize therapeutic outcomes and minimize the risk of toxicity. It is indicated for patients undergoing amikacin therapy for bacterial infections, especially those with pre-existing kidney conditions or prolonged treatment courses. By measuring drug concentrations, clinicians can adjust dosages to maintain effective yet safe levels, preventing adverse effects like ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity.
How to Prepare
- Use a Red Top (No Additive) tube, not SST gel barrier tubes
- Collect 2 mL serum, minimum 1 mL
- For trough levels: sample just before next dose
- For peak levels: 30-60 minutes after IV infusion or 60 minutes after IM injection
- Ship sample refrigerated or frozen to maintain stability
- Submit filled Test Send Out Consent Form (Form 35) with sample
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Ramarao Paidisetty — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504
"Regular monitoring of amikacin levels is crucial to avoid ototoxicity and nephrotoxicity, especially in patients with renal impairment."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample collected in SST gel barrier tubes
- Insufficient sample volume (<1 mL)
- Missing or incomplete consent form (Form 35)
- Sample hemolyzed, lipemic, or improperly stored
- Incorrect sample type or container
Understanding Your Results
Amikacin levels within therapeutic peak (20-30 μg/mL) and trough (<5 μg/mL) indicate effective treatment with minimal toxicity risk.
Level: Therapeutic Range
Levels above toxic thresholds (peak >30 μg/mL, trough >10 μg/mL) suggest high risk for toxicity symptoms like hearing loss or kidney damage. Dosage adjustment or discontinuation may be needed.
Level: Elevated Levels
Levels below therapeutic range may indicate subtherapeutic dosing, requiring dose increase to ensure infection control.
Level: Low Levels
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of amikacin toxicity, such as hearing loss, dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, fever, difficulty breathing, seizures, or confusion. Also, consult if you have concerns about your test results or treatment plan.
Limitations
- ⚠The test measures serum levels but may not directly correlate with tissue toxicity
- ⚠False results can occur due to sample handling errors
- ⚠Does not replace clinical assessment of symptoms
- ⚠Reference ranges are guidelines; individual variation exists
- ⚠Limited to detecting amikacin; other toxicities require different tests
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or bleeding at the puncture site
- ●Rare risk of infection or dizziness
- ●Minimal chance of hematoma
Interfering Factors
- ●Concurrent use of other aminoglycoside antibiotics
- ●Drugs that affect renal function, such as NSAIDs or diuretics
- ●Dehydration or altered fluid status
- ●Severe renal impairment, which can elevate drug levels
- ●Sample hemolysis or improper storage
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Amikacin Test | Gentamicin Test | Tobramycin Test | Vancomycin Test | Serum Creatinine Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Amikacin Test | Similar aminoglycoside antibiotic monitoring; amikacin may be preferred for certain infections with different toxicity profiles. | Another aminoglycoside; tobramycin has similar uses but different dosing and monitoring guidelines. | Monitors glycopeptide antibiotic levels; vancomycin is used for gram-positive infections, unlike amikacin for gram-negative. | Assesses kidney function, which is critical when monitoring nephrotoxic drugs like amikacin to adjust dosing. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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