Ceftazidime Antimicrobial Susceptibility by Low-Throughput Molecular Testing (Slow Growth)
This test helps determine how well your bacteria respond to the antibiotic ceftazidime, which is used to treat serious infections. Slow growth may indicate the need for additional testing or adjustments in treatment.
["This test assesses antibiotic resistance in bacteria growing slowly, guiding treatment decisions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 58705-5
- Short code
- CAZ-SGM
- Synonyms
- cefTAZidime Islt SlowMyco
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile screw-cap container or Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) broth for culture isolate
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- method-for-slow-growing-mycobacteria
- CPT
- 87186
- SNOMED
- 416424003
- Specimen volume
- Pure culture isolate on solid media (Lowenstein-Jensen or Middlebrook 7H10/7H11) or in liquid broth
- Stability
- Culture isolates should be tested as soon as adequate growth is observed. If delayed, maintain on appropriate media at 2-8°C for up to 7 days.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 72–336 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The test measures the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ceftazidime, an antibiotic, against slow-growing bacterial cultures. MIC is the lowest concentration of the drug that stops bacterial growth. This helps doctors decide if ceftazidime is effective against your infection.
Why It’s Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have a bacterial infection that hasn’t responded well to standard antibiotics or if your infection requires slow-growing bacteria to be identified and treated. Slow growth can sometimes delay diagnosis, so this test helps ensure the right antibiotic is chosen early.
How the Test Works
A sample of your blood or other bodily fluid is cultured to grow bacteria. If growth is slow, the test measures how much ceftazidime is needed to stop the bacteria from multiplying. This process helps identify resistance patterns and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed unless instructed by your doctor. You may be asked to avoid certain medications or foods that could interfere with test results, but this is rare for this type of test.
Reference range
Interpretive categories per CLSI guidelines: Susceptible (S), Intermediate (I), or Resistant (R). MIC breakpoints for ceftazidime against Mycobacterium species vary; refer to current CLSI M24 document for specific interpretive criteria.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to next dose of antimicrobial therapy when clinically feasible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Slow-growing bacterial cultures can sometimes indicate antibiotic resistance, which may require alternative treatments. This test helps ensure your doctor selects the most effective antibiotic to prevent infection from worsening or spreading. Results guide decisions about whether to continue, adjust, or switch antibiotics.
Short name
Ceftazidime MIC by Slow-Growth Culture
Frequently asked questions
How long will it take to get results?
What does a slow growth result mean?
Can I take antibiotics before 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