Streptomycin Level (Serum)
This test measures the amount of streptomycin, an antibiotic, in your blood serum. Streptomycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, including tuberculosis.
["Streptomycin levels help monitor your treatment and ensure safe dosing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25185-0
- Short code
- Streptomycin Islt Slgr Mcbct AB 6.0
- Synonyms
- Streptomycin Islt Slgr Mcbct AB 6.0
- Category
- coagulation
- 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
- Method
- method-for-slow-growing-mycobacteria-antibiotic-concentration-at-ug-ml
- 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 This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you’re being treated with streptomycin for bacterial infections. It helps assess how well your body is responding to the medication and whether your blood levels are within a safe range to prevent side effects.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. This is usually done in a clinic or lab setting.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your medical history, symptoms, and overall health. Abnormal levels may indicate either insufficient or excessive exposure to the medication.
Common Reasons for Monitoring
Regular monitoring is important if you have kidney issues, as streptomycin can affect kidney function. It also helps prevent toxicity, especially in people with pre-existing health conditions.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Streptomycin levels are critical for balancing treatment effectiveness and minimizing risks. High levels may cause kidney damage or nerve problems, while low levels may mean the infection isn’t fully treated.
Short name
Streptomycin in Serum
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor want to check my streptomycin level frequently?
What happens if my streptomycin level is too high?
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