Cefuroxime concentration 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. It helps doctors monitor how well your body is responding to this medication.
["This test helps track your treatment with cefuroxime, ensuring it stays at safe and effective levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 145-3
- Short code
- CEFPAR
- Synonyms
- Cefuroxime Parenter Islt MIC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport container or blood culture bottle for sterile body fluids; sterile swab in transport medium for isolated organisms
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) by broth microdilution or agar dilution per CLSI guidelines
- CPT
- 87186
- SNOMED
- 104206003
- Specimen volume
- Pure culture isolate on appropriate solid medium (e.g., Mueller-Hinton agar) or 1-2 mL of sterile body fluid
- Stability
- Pure cultures stable on appropriate media for up to 7 days at 2-8°C; clinical specimens should be processed within 2 hours of collection or refrigerated at 2-8°C for up to 24 hours
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Doctors may order this test if you’re receiving cefuroxime as part of a treatment plan, such as for bacterial infections. It helps them check whether the drug is working properly and adjust your dose if needed to avoid side effects or insufficient treatment.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a blood sample drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, by a healthcare professional. The process is quick and typically painless, though you may feel a brief pinch.
What the Results Mean
Results provide a measurement of cefuroxime concentration in your plasma. While exact reference ranges vary by lab and patient factors, doctors use these results to guide treatment decisions, such as adjusting medication timing or dosage.
Possible Causes of Abnormal Results
Low levels might indicate the drug isn’t being absorbed well or is being processed too quickly by your body. High levels could suggest improper dosing or kidney issues affecting drug clearance.
Reference range
Interpretive categories: Susceptible (S) ≤8 mcg/mL, Intermediate (I) 16 mcg/mL, Resistant (R) ≥32 mcg/mL per CLSI breakpointsN/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to next antibiotic dose when possible for therapeutic drug monitoring correlation
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Cefuroxime Level (Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a cefuroxime level tell me about my treatment?
How often will I need this test?
What if my results are outside the expected range?
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