Tobramycin Concentration in Serum/Plasma
This test measures the amount of the antibiotic tobramycin in your blood, often checked to ensure proper dosing and avoid toxicity.
["Tobramycin levels help doctors monitor your treatment for serious infections."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25227-0
- Short code
- Tobramycin Islt Slgr Mcbct AB 10.0
- Synonyms
- Tobramycin Islt Slgr Mcbct AB 10.0
- 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-antibiotic-concentration-at-ug-ml
- 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 receiving tobramycin, a powerful antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections like pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or cystic fibrosis lung infections. It helps ensure the right amount of the drug is in your bloodstream to fight infection without causing harmful side effects.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause discomfort afterward.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are used to guide your antibiotic treatment. Low levels may mean the infection isn’t fully responding, while very high levels could indicate toxicity. Your doctor will discuss these results with you in detail.
Possible Side Effects or Risks
Tobramycin can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, or kidney problems if levels are too high. Rarely, it may affect your hearing or cause allergic reactions. Your doctor will monitor you closely during treatment.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Monitoring tobramycin levels is critical for patients on long-term therapy, especially those with kidney issues or cystic fibrosis. Proper dosing prevents resistance to the drug and reduces the risk of serious complications like kidney damage or nerve damage.
Short name
Tobramycin Level
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
What if my results are outside the expected range?
Can I drink water before the blood draw?
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