Cefepime Concentration in Plasma (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the amount of the antibiotic cefepime in your blood plasma or serum. It helps healthcare providers determine if your dose is effective and monitor for potential side effects.
["This test helps ensure your antibiotic is working properly and stays at safe levels in your blood."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73471-5
- Short code
- Cefepime ind plt IgG SerPl Ql FC
- Synonyms
- Cefepime ind plt IgG SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you’re taking cefepime—a broad-spectrum antibiotic—to check how much of the drug is circulating in your blood. This is especially important for patients receiving intravenous (IV) cefepime, as it helps adjust doses to avoid toxicity or insufficient treatment.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a blood draw from a vein in your arm, similar to other routine blood tests. If you’re on IV cefepime, your healthcare team will coordinate timing with your medication schedule to ensure accurate results.
How the Test Works
Blood is collected and sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using a sensitive method (likely high-performance liquid chromatography or immunoassay) to measure cefepime levels. The lab detects and quantifies the antibiotic’s presence in your plasma or serum.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a concentration value (e.g., micrograms per milliliter). Your doctor will interpret these results in relation to your specific medical condition, dose, and other medications you’re taking to determine if your treatment plan needs adjustment.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cefepime levels are critical for managing antibiotic therapy. High levels may indicate toxicity (e.g., kidney issues or nerve damage), while low levels could mean the drug isn’t working effectively against infections. Regular monitoring helps prevent both underdosing and overdosing, improving outcomes and reducing side effects.
Short name
Cefepime Level
Frequently asked questions
Will I feel any pain or discomfort during the blood draw?
How soon will I get my results, and what should I do next?
Can I still take cefepime if I have kidney problems?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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