Penicillin G (Benzathine) Antibody Level, Serum
This test measures the level of antibodies in your blood that your body produces in response to benzathine penicillin, a long-acting form of penicillin used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as syphilis.
This test helps assess your immune response to penicillin treatment over time.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75183-4
- Short code
- WHENMOTHERRECEIVEDFIRSTDOSEOFBENZATHINEPENICILLIN
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- cdc-cs
- 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’ve received benzathine penicillin (e.g., for syphilis) and want to check whether your body is producing enough antibodies to fight the infection. It can also be used to monitor long-term immune response in certain treatment follow-ups.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. The process takes a few minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a bleeding disorder, let your provider know before the test.
What the Test Results Mean
Antibody levels can vary widely depending on when you were treated, your immune system, and other factors. A positive result means your body is producing antibodies against penicillin, which may indicate a successful immune response. However, results alone don’t confirm infection clearance—your provider will interpret them alongside clinical findings.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is often used in syphilis treatment follow-ups to ensure adequate immune response to benzathine penicillin. It may also be part of research studies or specialized clinical assessments for penicillin sensitivity or immune monitoring.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Penicillin Antibody Test
Frequently asked questions
How does this test help diagnose or manage my condition?
What does a high or low antibody level mean?
Can I fast 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