What it means
Tests used for drugs whose safe range is narrow, such as gentamicinjen-tuh-MY-sinAn aminoglycoside antibiotic, usually given IV or IM, used for serious infections caused by certain bacteria.Full entry , vancomycin and some seizure drugs. The trough is drawn just before a scheduled dose, when the level is lowest; the peak is drawn at a set time after the dose, when the level is highest. A trough that is too high suggests the drug is building up and may become toxic; a peak that is too low suggests the dose may be too small to work.
For the nurse
Timing is everything: coordinate with the lab so the trough is drawn shortly before the dose, and do not give the dose until the trough is drawn. Record the exact times of the dose and the blood draws. Hold the dose and call the provider if a result is above the target.
In a chart
"Vancomycin trough drawn at 0530; 0600 dose held pending result per protocol."
Remember it
Peak is the mountaintop after the dose; trough is the valley before the next one.
At a glance
| Normal range | Each drug has its own target levels, set by the lab and pharmacy. |
|---|---|
| Also written | peak and trough, peak level, peak levels, trough level, trough levels |
Related terms
aminoglycoside
A group of strong antibiotics, mostly given by IV or injection, that kill many gram-negative bacteria.
gentamicin
An aminoglycoside antibiotic, usually given IV or IM, used for serious infections caused by certain bacteria.