Cost of individualizing aminoglycoside dosage regimens

The estimated annual costs associated with operating a clinical pharmacokinetics service within a 450-bed, metropolitan county hospital were studied. Using three aminoglycoside serum level determinations, a computer program estimates the patient's pharmacokinetic variables and calculates a dosage regimen which will maintain serum concentrations in the desired range. Pharmacists are involved in assessing the patient's initial clinical condition and in recommending doses and dosing intervals. Fixed costs included the costs of the physical facility and office equipment ($778/yr). Operating costs included salaries, equipment leasing fees, journal subscription fees and medical supplies ($73,915/yr). The estimated cost per blood sample analyzed for aminoglycoside content was $17.35/sample (4,305 samples/yr). The study provides a basis for comparing the cost of operating a pharmacokinetics service with the cost of other innovative pharmaceutical services.