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Capreomycin Concentration (Serum/Plasma)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of capreomycin, an antibiotic used to treat certain types of tuberculosis, in your blood.

Quick summary

["Capreomycin helps doctors monitor how well your body is handling this medication."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
48170-5
Short code
CAP3
Synonyms
Capreomycin Islt Slgr Mcbct AB 3.0
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Sterile, leak-proof, screw-capped specimen container; or transport in Middlebrook 7H9 broth, Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) solid medium slant, or MGIT (Mycobacterial Growth Indicator Tube) liquid culture
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–120 years
Method
method-for-slow-growing-mycobacteria-antibiotic-concentration-at-ug-ml
CPT
87190
SNOMED
415719002
Specimen volume
Pure culture isolate on solid or liquid medium; minimum volume typically 1-2 mL of liquid culture or a visible colony sweep from solid medium
Stability
Live mycobacterial cultures should be processed within 24-48 hours of growth confirmation. If delay is necessary, refrigerate at 2-8°C; do not freeze. Susceptibility testing should be initiated as soon as adequate growth is observed in the primary culture.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
120–720 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re taking capreomycin to treat tuberculosis (TB) or to check for side effects. It helps ensure the drug is working properly and at the right level in your bloodstream.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other routine blood tests.

What the Results Mean

Results are used to adjust your medication dose if needed. Abnormal levels may indicate the drug isn’t working effectively or could cause unwanted side effects.

Possible Side Effects

Capreomycin can cause side effects like hearing loss, kidney problems, or allergic reactions. Your doctor will monitor your response closely.

Reference range

Reportable as Susceptible (S), Intermediate (I), or Resistant (R). At 3.0 ug/mL, growth indicates resistance to capreomycin. No quantitative numeric reference range applies.N/A

Specimen: serum

No special patient preparation is required. Specimen should be collected prior to the next dose of antimycobacterial therapy when clinically feasible to avoid false-susceptible results. Patient should follow standard mycobacterial specimen collection protocols as directed by the healthcare provider.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: Capreomycin is a narrow-spectrum aminoglycoside antibiotic reserved for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. Monitoring serum levels is critical to avoid toxicity (e.g., ototoxicity, nephrotoxicity) while ensuring therapeutic efficacy. Levels are typically measured in micrograms per milliliter (mcg/mL) and interpreted in context of dosing regimen and renal function.

Short name

Capreomycin Level

Frequently asked questions

Why might my doctor want to check my capreomycin levels?
Your doctor may order this test if you’re taking capreomycin to treat TB, especially if you have kidney issues or are on other medications that interact with it. It helps prevent side effects and ensures the drug stays at the right level in your blood.
What does a low or high capreomycin level mean?
A low level might mean the drug isn’t working well, while a high level could indicate toxicity. Your doctor will discuss results with you and adjust your treatment if needed.
Can I eat or drink before this test?
You can eat and drink normally before the test unless your doctor advises otherwise. Blood tests don’t require fasting unless specified for other reasons.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy