What is the Vancomycin Hydrochloride test?

The Vancomycin Hydrochloride test measures the concentration of vancomycin in the blood. Vancomycin is a powerful intravenous antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections, particularly those caused by resistant organisms such as MRSA.

Because vancomycin has a narrow therapeutic range, blood level monitoring is essential. Levels that are too low may lead to treatment failure, while levels that are too high increase the risk of kidney toxicity and other side effects.

This test is part of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and is routinely used in hospital and outpatient care.

Why do I need a Vancomycin blood level test?

Monitoring ensures the antibiotic dose is effective and safe, especially during prolonged or high-dose treatment.

You may need this test if you:

• Are receiving intravenous vancomycin
• Require dose adjustment
• Have reduced kidney function
• Are being treated for severe or resistant infections
• Need routine monitoring during ongoing therapy
• Are at risk of medication-related toxicity

Providing dosing time and infusion details improves result interpretation.

Benefits of the test

1. Optimises antibiotic effectiveness
   Ensures therapeutic drug levels are achieved.
2. Reduces kidney toxicity risk
   Prevents excessive vancomycin exposure.
3. Supports safe dose adjustment
   Guides personalised dosing.
4. Essential in serious infections
   Standard monitoring for resistant bacteria.
5. Accounts for kidney function changes
   Important in renal impairment.
6. Simple blood-based testing
   Requires only one blood sample.
7. Widely used in clinical practice
   Standard in infectious disease care.
8. Improves treatment safety
   Early detection of abnormal levels.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• Blood sample taken at the correct time (usually pre-dose)
• Dosing and infusion details recorded
• Sample sent to the laboratory

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Mobile phlebotomist arranged where appropriate
• Blood sample taken at the appropriate time
• Sample securely transported to the laboratory

Your results explained

Low level (sub-therapeutic)

• Vancomycin below target range
• UK standard (typical trough): <10 mg/L
• May reduce treatment effectiveness

Therapeutic level

• Vancomycin within target range
• UK standard (typical trough): 10–20 mg/L
• Suggests appropriate dosing

High level (toxicity risk)

• Vancomycin above recommended range
• UK standard: >20 mg/L
• Increased risk of kidney damage and side effects

Target ranges may vary depending on infection severity and clinical guidelines.