Ethionamide concentration in serum (slow mycobacterial culture confirmation)
This test measures the amount of ethionamide, a medication used to treat certain types of tuberculosis, in your blood. It helps confirm if your slow-growing mycobacteria infection is responding to treatment.
["Ethionamide levels help ensure your tuberculosis treatment is working effectively."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 20382-8
- Short code
- Ethionamide Islt SlowMyco
- Synonyms
- Ethionamide Islt SlowMyco
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- method-for-slow-growing-mycobacteria
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re taking ethionamide as part of a slow-growing mycobacterial infection treatment plan. Slow-growing bacteria can take longer to respond to antibiotics, and this test helps monitor drug levels to optimize treatment.
What Does This Test Measure?
The test measures the concentration of ethionamide in your blood serum. Ethionamide is an antibiotic used to treat mycobacterial infections, including some forms of tuberculosis that grow slowly.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where it is processed to separate serum for testing.
What Are Common Results and What Do They Mean?
Results are typically reported as a concentration value (e.g., micrograms per milliliter). Your provider will interpret these results in relation to your specific treatment plan and medical history. Abnormal levels may indicate whether your medication is effective or if adjustments are needed.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Ethionamide levels are critical for managing tuberculosis treatment. Proper dosing ensures the medication is effective against slow-growing mycobacteria while minimizing side effects. Low levels may mean the infection isn’t being adequately treated, while high levels could signal toxicity or improper absorption.
Short name
Ethionamide Level (Confirmatory)
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need this test if I’m already on ethionamide?
What happens if my ethionamide level is too low?
How long does it take to get results from 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