Serum Concentration of Cefuroxime (Antibiotic)
This test measures the amount of the antibiotic cefuroxime in your blood serum. It helps healthcare providers assess whether your dose is working effectively and monitor for potential side effects.
["This test helps doctors check how your body is responding to cefuroxime treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 3452-0
- Short code
- CEFURXP
- Synonyms
- Cefuroxime Parenter SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum collection tube (no anticoagulant) or serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2
- Ref high
- 6
- Critical range
- — – 100 N/A
- 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
- 4341007
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Room temperature: 6 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 500
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test if you’re taking cefuroxime to treat bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or skin infections. It helps ensure the correct dose is being administered and ensures the antibiotic is effective without causing excessive levels that could harm you.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, which usually takes just a few minutes. If you’re on blood thinners or have a history of bleeding issues, let your doctor know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as the concentration of cefuroxime in your blood (measured in micrograms per milliliter or another unit). While specific ranges depend on your treatment plan, lower-than-expected levels may indicate the antibiotic isn’t working, while very high levels could signal toxicity or improper dosing.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors may check cefuroxime levels if you’re experiencing side effects like nausea, rash, or kidney issues, or if you’re not improving with treatment. It’s also used to adjust doses for patients with kidney problems or those who may metabolize the drug differently.
Reference range
Therapeutic range: 2.0-6.0 mg/L (peak); 0.5-2.0 mg/L (trough). Dose-dependent; interpretive reporting recommended based on clinical context and infection type.N/A
No special preparation required. Sample should ideally be drawn at steady state (after at least 3-5 doses). Document time of last dose and time of sample collection for accurate interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cefuroxime levels help balance two key goals: ensuring the antibiotic reaches effective concentrations to kill bacteria while avoiding harmful levels that can damage organs, especially the kidneys or liver. Proper monitoring reduces the risk of antibiotic resistance and minimizes side effects, such as allergic reactions or drug interactions.
Short name
Cefuroxime Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my test results?
What does a low cefuroxime level mean?
Can I eat or drink before this blood 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