Chapter 13: Diagnostic tests
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Post‐procedural considerations
Ongoing care
Changes in dosage regimens will depend upon interpretation of the results by the microbiology, pharmacy, medical and nursing teams. A low drug serum level would instigate an increase in the dosage of the drug (Roberts et al. [209]). A high drug serum level would potentially instigate omitting the subsequent dose, and adjusting the dose and/or time interval. Any changes to the drug regimen should be clearly documented on the patient's prescription.
Documentation
In accordance with the principles of good record keeping, the date and time when a trough and/or peak drug assay level is sent to the laboratory should be documented clearly and promptly in the patient's notes, care plan and/or drug chart (or antimicrobial flow charts as provided by the pharmacy department) (NMC [165], WHO [260]). This assists in communication and the dissemination of information between members of the inter‐professional healthcare team.
