01/03/2026
Did You Know? Some medications can become dangerous if blood levels aren’t closely monitored.
Certain medications have a very narrow “therapeutic range.” That means there’s a small window between a dose that helps — and a dose that harms.
Examples include:
• Heparin, a blood thinner used to prevent clots
• Vancomycin, Gentamicin, and Tobramycin, powerful antibiotics
If levels are too low, the medication may not work, putting the patient at risk for clots or uncontrolled infection.
If levels are too high, the consequences can be severe — including uncontrolled bleeding, kidney injury, or permanent hearing loss.
That’s why hospitals routinely draw blood to:
✔ Measure medication levels
✔ Adjust doses safely
✔ Detect early signs of toxicity before damage occurs
These labs are not “routine paperwork” — they are a critical safety checkpoint.
If blood draws are delayed, skipped, or unexplained, it’s appropriate to ask:
• “What medication is this lab monitoring?”
• “When was the last level checked?”
• “Are my results in the safe range?”
Monitoring is not optional — it’s essential for preventing serious harm.
👉 Want to learn more about staying safe during a hospital stay? Read my book — link in the comments.
