Gentamicin Serum Mass Concentration
This test measures the amount of gentamicin, a medication used to treat serious bacterial infections, in your blood serum. It helps doctors monitor your drug levels to ensure they’re effective without causing harmful side effects.
["This test ensures your antibiotic dose stays safe and effective for treating infections."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31092-0
- Short code
- Gentamicin Trough EID SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Gentamicin Trough EID SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 gentamicin to treat infections like sepsis, pneumonia, or other serious bacterial illnesses. It helps track how well your body is processing the medication and prevents overuse, which can lead to kidney damage or other side effects.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure the exact amount of gentamicin present in your serum. No special preparation is needed, but you may want to avoid alcohol before the test.
What Are Common Results?
Results are typically reported in micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL). Your doctor will compare these results to your specific dose and medical condition to determine if your levels are within a safe range.
What Does It Mean If My Levels Are Too High?
High levels of gentamicin can damage your kidneys or nerves. If your levels are too high, your doctor may adjust your medication dose or switch to a different antibiotic.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Gentamicin is a potent antibiotic used to treat life-threatening bacterial infections. Monitoring its levels in the blood is crucial to balance effectiveness and safety. Low levels may mean the infection isn’t fully treated, while high levels risk toxicity. Your doctor will use these results to tailor your care.
Short name
Gentamicin Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor want to check my gentamicin levels frequently?
How long does it take to get my test results back?
Can I eat or drink before 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