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Cefuroxime (Parenteral) Concentration in Blood

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of the antibiotic cefuroxime in your blood. It helps doctors check how well your body is responding to this medication.

Quick summary

["This test helps ensure your cefuroxime dose is appropriate for your treatment."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
144-6
Short code
CEFURX-MLC
Synonyms
Cefuroxime Parenter Islt MLC
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Sterile serum separator tube (SST, red-gray marble top) or plain red-top tube; alternatively, isolate on appropriate solid medium (blood agar, chocolate agar, or Mueller-Hinton agar) submitted on a transport swab in Amies or Stuart transport medium
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 0 years
Method
Minimum Lethal Concentration (MLC) determination by broth macrodilution or microdilution method using serial two-fold dilutions of cefuroxime in supplemented growth medium, with subculture of each dilution tube/well onto solid agar to identify the lowest concentration yielding no bacterial growth (99.9% kill endpoint)
CPT
87181
SNOMED
104193007
Specimen volume
5–10 mL whole blood for serum; or actively growing pure bacterial isolate on solid medium
Stability
Serum: stable 2 hours at 15–25°C, 24 hours at 2–8°C, longer storage at -70°C. Bacterial isolate: stable on solid medium up to 48 hours at 2–8°C; do not freeze. Subculture working stock immediately upon receipt.
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 taking cefuroxime (a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic) intravenously (by IV) to monitor your drug levels. It helps adjust your treatment plan based on how much of the drug is circulating in your bloodstream.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. The test involves a simple blood draw from a vein, usually in your arm. You may feel a small pinch, but it’s quick and typically done in a lab or clinic setting.

How the Test Works

Blood is collected and sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using a sensitive immunoassay method (likely a chemiluminescent immunoassay, or CLIA). This detects the presence and concentration of cefuroxime in your bloodstream.

What the Results Mean

Results are used to confirm therapeutic drug levels—meaning the amount of cefuroxime is within a safe and effective range for your infection or condition. If levels are too low, your doctor may increase your dose. If too high, adjustments may be needed to avoid side effects.

Reference range

Susceptibility Interpretive Criteria (CLSI M100 / EUCAST breakpoints) for Cefuroxime: Susceptible ≤ 4 µg/mL (parenteral), Susceptible-Dose Dependent 8–16 µg/mL, Resistant ≥ 32 µg/mL. MLC is interpreted alongside MIC to confirm bactericidal activity; MLC/MIC ratio ≤ 4 indicates bactericidal agent.N/A

Specimen: serum

No special patient preparation is required. Specimen should be collected prior to administration of the next scheduled dose of cefuroxime when possible to avoid artificially elevated drug concentrations that may suppress organism growth in vitro.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Monitoring cefuroxime levels is critical for patients receiving IV therapy, especially those with kidney issues or those on long-term treatment. It prevents underdosing (which may fail to treat infection) or overdosing (which could cause toxicity).

Short name

Cefuroxime Level

Frequently asked questions

What does a cefuroxime blood test measure?
This test measures the concentration of the antibiotic cefuroxime in your blood. It helps ensure the medication is working properly and at the right level for your treatment.
Why would my doctor order this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you’re taking cefuroxime intravenously (IV) to check if your blood levels are appropriate for your infection or condition. It helps adjust your dose if needed.
Can I eat or drink before this test?
No special preparation is needed. You can eat and drink normally before the blood draw, as it won’t affect the test results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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