[Critical analysis of the different methods for the determination of aminoglycosides. Application to follow-up of treatment].

A serum aminoglycoside assay is indicated so that there will be no loss of efficacy resulting from insufficient dosages chosen to reduce the risks of toxicity inherent in this type of antibiotics. It is also indicated so that excessive dosages and their resulting toxicity may be avoided. There are different assay methods for each one, the cost, reproducibility, sensitivity and specificity should be considered at the time of selection. Among methods which do not use radioactive material, the EMIT and TDA systems are more or less similar in terms of the above points and could soon be used for dibekacine assays. The microbiological method rivals all other methods in every way except in regard to speed. But it cost less and enables a "genuine" appraisal of the antibiotic.