Role of the Laboratory

Question 1

What are the 2 main reasons for monitoring serum levels of an antimicrobial?

Answer 1

• Ensure that the therapeutic level has been reached (even though this might not be the same as tissue levels depending on penetrance)
• Ensure levels are not too high so as to be toxic.

Question 2

How are the MIC of antbiotics/antimicrobials measures in the lab?

Answer 2

• Automated methods (involving the use of complex computer controlled hardware.
• E test - strip of paper with increased concentrations, MIC of organism can be read directly from point where organism growth intersects strip.