Cefoxitin Minimum Inhibitory Susceptibility (MIC) by Broth Microdilution
This test measures how much of the antibiotic cefoxitin is needed to stop bacterial growth, helping determine if bacteria are sensitive or resistant to this medication.
["Assists doctors in choosing the best antibiotic treatment for infections caused by bacteria."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25366-6
- Short code
- CEFOX-SGM
- Synonyms
- cefOXitin Islt SlowMyco
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof, screw-cap container suitable for mycobacterial culture; for serum specimens, use serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- method-for-slow-growing-mycobacteria
- CPT
- 87181
- SNOMED
- 391902008
- Specimen volume
- Minimum 1-2 mL serum; for culture-derived isolates, provide sufficient pure growth material on solid or in liquid medium for inoculum preparation
- Stability
- Serum: stable for 24 hours at 2-8°C; freeze at -70°C for longer storage. Mycobacterial isolates should be tested promptly; refrigerate at 2-8°C if testing is delayed up to 48 hours.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 168–720 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Cefoxitin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. The MIC test evaluates the lowest concentration of cefoxitin that prevents bacterial growth, indicating whether bacteria are likely to respond to this drug or develop resistance.
Why It Matters in Treatment
Results guide your healthcare provider in selecting the most effective antibiotic for your infection, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance and improving treatment success.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is collected and processed to isolate bacteria. The sample is then mixed with cefoxitin and bacterial growth is observed to determine the MIC value.
Common Uses and Indications
This test is typically performed on cultures of blood, joint fluid, or other body sites where bacterial infections are suspected, such as infections requiring surgery or severe systemic infections.
Reference range
Interpretive criteria per CLSI M24: Susceptible (S), Intermediate (I), or Resistant (R) based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints. For cefoxitin against Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and other slowly growing mycobacteria, consult current CLSI guidelines for organism-specific breakpoints.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antimycobacterial therapy when clinically feasible. Avoid contamination during collection; use aseptic technique.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
MIC results help identify bacterial susceptibility patterns, ensuring targeted antibiotic therapy. Low MIC values suggest sensitivity, while high values indicate potential resistance, guiding appropriate treatment decisions.
Short name
MIC for Cefoxitin
Frequently asked questions
What does a low MIC value mean?
What does a high MIC value mean?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
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