A L Paysinger | PubMed Health

PubMed1981

Collaborative clinical pharmacokinetic services.

A program for routine pharmacokinetic interpretation of serum analyses of gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, theophylline, lidocaine, digoxin, quinidine, and procainamide at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital is described. Results of all analyses of serum for the drugs listed are evaluated by a pharmacist trained in clinical pharmacokinetics. Patient variables relevant to the determination of drug serum concentrations, drug elimination, distribution, and dosage are given appropriate consideration in each evaluation. A summary of the pharmacokinetic interpretation and any necessary modification of drug dosage regimens are then written into the progress notes of the patients' medical records. Approximately 12 patients and 20 drug concentrations are evaluated each day. The average charge for te service is +35. This service, which is reimbursed by third-party carriers, has resulted in improved use of laboratory personnel, equipment, and time and has provided a framework for education and research as well as a mechanism for direct contributions to patient care by the pharmacist.

Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over↗

PubMed1981

Accuracy of copper-reduction and glucose-oxidase tests for various glucose concentrations.

Three glucose-oxidase (Diastix) and two copper-reduction (Clinitest) urine tests for glucose were compared to determine the differences in accuracy for various concentrations of glucose. Fifty volunteers were assigned on a random basis to one of five urine-testing methods and to a testing order for eight glucose samples. The samples were assayed spectrophotometrically to verify the actual concentrations of glucose, ranging form 0.1 to 20.0%. Scale points were assigned to correspond to the different glucose concentrations. The deviation of the volunteers' determinations above or below the actual concentrations were recorded as error points. A one-way analysis was conducted on the error points to determine it there were significant differences among the five testing methods. Significant differences were found among the five testing methods (p less than 0.01). The five-drop Clinitest method was significantly less accurate than the 1:5 Diastix and the two-drop Clinitest methods. Significant differences were found among the five testing methods at low and medium glucose concentrations but not at the high concentrations. In the glucose concentration range of 0.1-0.25%, the Diastix method with no dilution was significantly less accurate (p less than 0.01) than the two-drop Clinitest method. In the 0.5-1.25% range, the two-drop Clinitest was more accurate than Diastix 1:5, 1:10, and five-drop Clinitest. Overall, the two-drop Clinitest procedure was most accurate, particularly at the lower concentrations of glucose.

Copper↗