Cefuroxime (Parenteral) Concentration in Plasma
This test measures the amount of the antibiotic cefuroxime in your blood plasma after it has been administered through an intravenous (IV) route.
["Knowing your cefuroxime levels helps doctors monitor how well your body is responding to this medication."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25245-2
- Short code
- CEFPAR
- Synonyms
- Cefuroxime Parenter Spec-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top serum collection tube (no anticoagulant); alternatively serum separator tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 27
- Ref high
- 35
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with UV detection; bioassay methods may also be used
- CPT
- 80299
- SNOMED
- 395089001
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum
- Stability
- Serum stable for 24 hours at room temperature (15-25°C); 7 days at refrigerated temperature (2-8°C); 30 days frozen at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- 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 to check if cefuroxime is working properly to treat infections caused by bacteria that are sensitive to this antibiotic. It helps ensure the right amount of medication is reaching your bloodstream and that you’re not experiencing side effects from too much or too little.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely have a small needle inserted into a vein (usually in your arm) to draw a blood sample. The process is quick and usually doesn’t cause discomfort. If you’re on IV cefuroxime, this test may be done at different times during your treatment to track levels.
What the Test Results Mean
Results aren’t provided as a single number but are used to guide dosing adjustments. Your healthcare provider will compare your levels to what’s typical for your condition and treatment plan to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is often used in hospitalized patients receiving IV cefuroxime to confirm proper dosing, detect infections, or adjust treatment if the antibiotic isn’t working as expected.
Reference range
Therapeutic range not well-established for parenteral cefuroxime; typical peak serum concentrations after 750 mg IV dose: 27-35 µg/mL; trough concentrations are generally not monitoredN/A
No special patient preparation required. Document time of last dose and exact administration time relative to specimen collection. For peak levels, draw 15-30 minutes after IV infusion completion
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Cefuroxime levels help prevent antibiotic resistance and ensure the medication targets the right bacteria while minimizing harm. Low levels may mean the infection isn’t fully treated, while high levels could signal toxicity or improper dosing. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and treatment plan.
Short name
Cefuroxime Level
Frequently asked questions
Will I need to prepare for this test?
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I take my cefuroxime medication if I have 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy