Gentamicin (Serum or Plasma Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of gentamicin, a medication used to treat certain bacterial infections, in your blood.
["Gentamicin levels help ensure your dose is safe and effective."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 3664-0
- Short code
- Gentamicin Rand SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Gentamicin Rand SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 to monitor your response to gentamicin therapy, check for signs of toxicity (such as kidney damage or hearing issues), or adjust your medication dose based on your blood levels.
What Does This Test Tell You?
The test provides a quantitative measurement of gentamicin in your blood, which helps determine whether your current dose is appropriate or if adjustments are needed to avoid side effects or insufficient treatment.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then processed into either serum (after clotting) or plasma (after centrifugation) to isolate the medication concentration for analysis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required, but inform your provider if you are taking other medications, have kidney problems, or are pregnant. Avoid alcohol before the test as it may affect blood levels.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Gentamicin Level
Frequently asked questions
High levels of gentamicin can cause serious side effects like kidney damage, hearing loss, or dizziness. Low levels may indicate the medication isn’t working effectively against your infection. Regular monitoring helps balance these risks.
How long will I have to wait to get my results?
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