What is the Streptomycin Levels Test?

The Streptomycin Levels test measures the concentration of streptomycin in the blood. Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat specific bacterial infections, including tuberculosis and certain resistant infections.

Because streptomycin has a narrow therapeutic range, blood level monitoring is essential to ensure the dose is effective without reaching toxic levels. This test is typically performed as part of therapeutic drug monitoring during active treatment.

Monitoring streptomycin levels helps clinicians balance efficacy with safety, particularly during prolonged or high-dose therapy.

Why do I need a Streptomycin Levels test?

Streptomycin can cause serious side effects if blood levels become too high, particularly affecting hearing and kidney function. Conversely, levels that are too low may reduce treatment effectiveness and contribute to treatment failure.

You may need this test if you:

• Are currently receiving streptomycin treatment
• Are undergoing long-term antibiotic therapy
• Have kidney impairment or fluctuating renal function
• Experience hearing changes, dizziness, or balance issues
• Require dose adjustment based on body weight or age
• Are being monitored for drug safety during infection treatment

Regular monitoring helps ensure the medication remains within a safe and effective range.

Benefits of the test

1. Ensures safe antibiotic dosing
   Helps maintain streptomycin within its therapeutic range.
2. Reduces risk of toxicity
   Identifies elevated levels before serious side effects occur.
3. Supports treatment effectiveness
   Confirms drug levels are sufficient to combat infection.
4. Guides dose adjustments
   Useful when kidney function changes or symptoms develop.
5. Essential for long-term therapy
   Particularly important during extended treatment courses.
6. Objective treatment monitoring
   Provides measurable data rather than relying on symptoms alone.
7. Supports high-risk patients
   Especially relevant for older adults or those with renal disease.
8. Improves overall treatment safety
   Helps balance efficacy with patient wellbeing.

Step-by-step: How we offer testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• Attend your appointment
• A clinician draws a blood sample
• Sample is sent to the laboratory
• Results are issued once analysis is complete

Home or hotel visit (+£60, UK-wide)

• Book a mobile phlebotomist
• Blood sample taken at your home or hotel
• No need to travel to a clinic
• Sample securely transported to the laboratory

Your results explained

Low levels (sub-therapeutic)

• Streptomycin concentration below effective range
• UK standard: Peak levels typically <20 mg/L
• May reduce treatment effectiveness and require dose review

Normal levels (therapeutic range)

• Streptomycin within the desired treatment window
• UK standard: Peak levels approximately 20–40 mg/L
• Indicates appropriate dosing and effective monitoring

High levels (risk of toxicity)

• Streptomycin concentration above safe range
• UK standard: Peak levels >40 mg/L
• Increased risk of ototoxicity and kidney damage