Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing for Ceftizoxime (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures how an antibiotic called ceftizoxime affects bacteria in your blood or plasma. It helps determine whether bacteria are likely to be treated effectively by this medication.
["This test helps guide antibiotic treatment by assessing bacterial resistance to ceftizoxime."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20378-6
- Short code
- CEFIZOX
- Synonyms
- Ceftizoxime Islt SlowMyco
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile screw-cap container for clinical isolates (pure culture of slowly growing mycobacteria on solid or liquid medium). If serum is submitted, collect in a sterile serum separator tube (SST) or plain red-top tube.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- method-for-slow-growing-mycobacteria
- CPT
- 87186
- SNOMED
- 104267008
- Specimen volume
- Pure mycobacterial isolate on appropriate solid medium (e.g., Lowenstein-Jensen, Middlebrook 7H10/7H11 agar) or sufficient broth culture volume to perform susceptibility testing; minimum 1-2 mL of broth culture recommended.
- Stability
- Mycobacterial isolates should be tested as soon as possible after isolation. If delay is necessary, store solid media cultures at 2-8°C; broth cultures should be kept at room temperature or refrigerated per laboratory protocol. Isolates remain viable for testing for up to several weeks under proper storage conditions.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 168–336 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Ceftizoxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat serious bacterial infections. This test evaluates the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ceftizoxime in your blood or plasma, which indicates the lowest concentration of the drug needed to inhibit bacterial growth. The result helps clinicians decide if ceftizoxime is appropriate for your infection and whether you may need adjustments to your treatment plan.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have a suspected serious bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment. It is particularly useful for infections caused by bacteria that may be resistant to other antibiotics, such as certain strains of *Escherichia coli*, *Staphylococcus aureus*, or *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in your arm. The blood is processed to separate plasma (the liquid part of blood without clotting factors). The plasma is then tested for the presence of ceftizoxime and its ability to inhibit bacterial growth under controlled conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed for this test. You may have some mild discomfort or bruising at the injection site, but this is normal. If you are on other medications or have certain health conditions, let your healthcare provider know before the test.
Reference range
Interpretive criteria (Susceptible, Intermediate, Resistant) reported based on CLSI M24 or M62 breakpoints specific for slowly growing mycobacteria. MIC reported in µg/mL. No single universal numeric reference range; results are interpretive.N/A
No special patient preparation is required for specimen collection. Patient should follow standard phlebotomy or culture specimen collection procedures as directed by the healthcare provider.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The result of this test helps determine if ceftizoxime is effective against the bacteria causing your infection. A lower MIC value suggests the antibiotic is more likely to work, while a higher MIC may indicate resistance. This information is critical for tailoring your treatment to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use or worsening infection due to resistance.
Short name
Ceftizoxime MIC (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive or negative result mean?
How long will it take to get the results?
Can I stop taking 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