Concentration of cefuroxime in plasma (parenteral administration)
This test measures the amount of the antibiotic cefuroxime in your blood plasma after it has been given through an intravenous (IV) line.
["This test helps monitor how well your body is responding to cefuroxime treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 146-1
- Short code
- CEFPAR
- Synonyms
- Cefuroxime Parenter Islt KB
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport container or culture transport system appropriate for specimen type (blood culture bottle, sterile urine container, swab in transport medium)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 18
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- agar-diffusion
- CPT
- 87181
- SNOMED
- 405706009
- Specimen volume
- Variable depending on specimen type; minimum sufficient volume to perform isolation and susceptibility testing
- Stability
- Transport to laboratory as soon as possible; process within 2 hours for most specimens. Store at room temperature or as specified per specimen type requirements.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re receiving cefuroxime, a type of antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. Monitoring your cefuroxime levels helps ensure the medication is working effectively and helps prevent side effects or infections from developing resistance.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm or hand for blood collection. The process usually takes a few minutes.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are used to guide dosing adjustments. If levels are too low, your provider may increase the dose. If levels are too high, they may adjust the treatment plan to avoid toxicity.
Possible Side Effects or Risks
While rare, high cefuroxime levels can sometimes cause allergic reactions or kidney issues. Your provider will watch for these and adjust your treatment accordingly.
Reference range
Interpretive categories per CLSI guidelines: Susceptible (S), Intermediate (I), Resistant (R), or Susceptible-Dose Dependent (SDD). Zone diameter breakpoints for cefuroxime parenteral: Susceptible >=18 mm, Intermediate 15-17 mm, Resistant <=14 mm.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antimicrobial therapy when clinically feasible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Monitoring Antibiotics
Short name
Cefuroxime Plasma Level
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
What if I miss a dose of cefuroxime?
Can I drink alcohol while taking cefuroxime?
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