Serum Concentration of Cefuroxime (Antibiotic)
This test measures the amount of the antibiotic cefuroxime in your blood serum. It helps determine how your body is processing the medication and whether it’s at an effective level to treat an infection.
["This test assesses antibiotic levels to guide treatment effectiveness."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4169-9
- Short code
- CEFUP
- Synonyms
- Cefuroxime Parenter Dose
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum separator tube (SST) or plain red-top collection tube; alternatively, sodium heparin or EDTA plasma tube acceptable
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 27
- Ref high
- 100
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection or Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 80299
- SNOMED
- 387207008
- Specimen volume
- 2-5 mL of whole blood yielding 1-3 mL of serum
- Stability
- Serum stable for 24 hours at room temperature (20-25°C), 7 days refrigerated at 2-8°C, and up to 30 days frozen at -20°C or below
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re taking cefuroxime to treat a bacterial infection. It helps ensure the medication is working properly and at the right dose for your condition. This is especially important if you have kidney issues, are taking other medications, or if your infection doesn’t improve as expected.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw blood. The process is quick and typically painless. If you’re on blood-thinning medications or have a history of bleeding issues, let your provider know beforehand.
What Happens During the Test?
Blood is collected from a vein and sent to a lab. The lab will analyze the sample to measure cefuroxime levels. Results are usually available within a few days, depending on lab processes.
What the Results Mean
Results help your healthcare provider adjust your dose if needed. Low levels might mean the medication isn’t working well, while very high levels could indicate problems with how your body processes it. Your provider will discuss these findings with you in detail.
Reference range
Therapeutic levels vary by indication; typical target peak serum concentration following 1.5 g IV dose: 27-100 mcg/mL; trough concentrations generally maintained below 10 mcg/mL to avoid toxicityN/A
No special patient preparation required. For therapeutic drug monitoring, collect sample at specified time relative to dose (peak at 30 minutes post-infusion completion, trough immediately before next dose).
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Cefuroxime Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a cefuroxime level test tell me about my infection?
How often will I need this test?
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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy