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Ceftazidime Antibody Screening by Immunoassay (Plasma/Serum)

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

This test measures the presence of antibodies in your blood that may react to the antibiotic ceftazidime, often used to treat bacterial infections.

Quick summary

["Helps identify potential immune responses to this antibiotic, which could affect treatment decisions."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
90850-9
Short code
CTZ-SLM-1.0
Synonyms
cefTAZidime Islt Slgr Mcbct AB 1.0
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Sterile, leak-proof container; mycobacterial culture transport medium or sterile screw-capped tube for clinical specimens (sputum, BAL, tissue, body fluid)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
method-for-slow-growing-mycobacteria-antibiotic-concentration-at-ug-ml
CPT
87190
SNOMED
40675000
Specimen volume
Variable based on specimen type; minimum 1-5 mL for body fluids; 5-10 mL for sputum or BAL
Stability
Specimens should be processed within 24 hours of collection if held at room temperature, or refrigerated at 2-8°C for up to 7 days. Isolates for susceptibility testing should be subcultured and maintained on appropriate media.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
168–720 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’ve been exposed to ceftazidime or have a suspected allergic reaction, or if you’re considering this antibiotic for treatment. It can also be used in research or specialized clinical settings to study immune responses to antibiotics.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll likely have a simple blood draw from a vein in your arm. If you’re taking ceftazidime, inform your provider beforehand, as this may influence results.

What the Test Results Mean

Results are qualitative (positive/negative) and indicate whether your immune system has detected antibodies against ceftazidime. A positive result suggests an immune response, which may require further evaluation by your doctor.

Common Reasons for Testing

This test is less commonly performed in routine clinical practice but may be used in specialized cases, such as allergy testing, drug hypersensitivity studies, or research involving antibiotic exposure.

Reference range

Results reported as Susceptible (S), Intermediate (I), or Resistant (R) based on growth/no growth at 1.0 ug/mL ceftazidime. Slow-growing mycobacteria are generally considered resistant to ceftazidime; this test is used for research or specific clinical correlation.N/A

Specimen: serum

No patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antimycobacterial therapy when possible. Ensure specimen is collected aseptically to avoid contamination with normal flora.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Antibody detection against ceftazidime can inform decisions about alternative antibiotics if cross-reactivity or allergic concerns are suspected. It may also help in monitoring immune responses in clinical trials or rare cases of drug-related immune reactions.

Short name

Ceftazidime Antibody Test

Frequently asked questions

Will this test show if I have an allergy to ceftazidime?
Not directly. This test measures antibodies, which may indicate an immune response but does not definitively confirm an allergy. Allergies are typically diagnosed through clinical symptoms, skin testing, or other allergy-specific tests.
Can I still take ceftazidime if my test is positive?
Possibly, but your healthcare provider will weigh the positive antibody result against your clinical symptoms and other factors. They may recommend alternative antibiotics or monitor you closely during treatment.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours, depending on lab processing times. Follow-up with your provider if you have questions about the results.
  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