Ceftazidime in Serum/Plasma (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of the antibiotic ceftazidime in your blood, often checked during treatment to ensure it’s working properly and to avoid harmful levels.
["Helps monitor antibiotic effectiveness and safety during therapy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 73044-0
- Short code
- CEFT-NAB
- Synonyms
- cefTAZidime (neut) IgG SerPl Ql FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold-top) or red-top tube; alternatively, plasma EDTA (lavender-top) or sodium heparin (green-top) tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of whole blood yielding approximately 1-2 mL of serum or plasma
- Stability
- Serum or plasma stable for 48 hours at 2-8°C; for prolonged delays, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Ship on cold packs if transported.
- Hemolysis max
- 2
- Lipemia max
- 2
- Icterus max
- 2
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re receiving ceftazidime, a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, or infections of the blood, bones, or joints. It helps track how well your body is responding to the medication and ensures you’re receiving the correct dose.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. If you’re on this medication, your provider may adjust your dose based on the results.
What the Results Mean
Results are used to guide treatment decisions, such as adjusting the dose, duration of therapy, or switching medications if needed. High levels may indicate poor absorption or kidney issues, while low levels could mean the infection isn’t responding.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is primarily used in patients receiving ceftazidime therapy for infections like bacterial meningitis, endocarditis, or severe urinary tract infections.
Reference range
Negative (no ceftazidime-dependent neutrophil-reactive IgG antibodies detected). Results reported as Positive or Negative.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to administration of next scheduled dose of ceftazidime when clinically feasible to avoid transient drug-antibody complexes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated ceftazidime levels may signal toxicity (e.g., kidney problems, nerve damage) or inadequate dosing, while subtherapeutic levels could mean the infection isn’t being fully treated. Regular monitoring helps prevent resistance and ensures safe, effective care.
Short name
Ceftazidime Level
Frequently asked questions
Will I feel any discomfort during the blood draw?
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I eat or drink 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