Bone for Bacterial C/S (Aerobic) with Gram Stain

Specimen Required

Bone

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Test

A Bone for Bacterial C/S (Culture and Sensitivity) with Gram stain is ordered to detect the presence of bacteria in bone and to determine the appropriate antibiotic therapy.

When this test is required

This test is typically requested by a doctor when a patient is experiencing symptoms of a bone infection, such as pain, swelling, and redness around the affected area. It may also be requested when a patient has a chronic infection that is not responding to previous antibiotic treatments.

What the Test Detects

Bone samples are usually collected from patients suspected of having bone infections, which can be caused by various bacteria. The bone sample is then cultured and examined to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. This information helps doctors to choose the most appropriate antibiotic treatment for the patient.

Preparation for the Test

No special preparation is needed for this test, but it is important to inform the healthcare provider of any medications the patient is taking, including antibiotics, as they may interfere with the accuracy of the test results.

Sample Requirements

A sample of bone tissue is required for the test, usually obtained by biopsy or during surgery. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Additional Notes

It is important to note that this test can take several days to produce results, as the bacteria must be allowed to grow in the laboratory. In some cases, more than one culture may be necessary to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. Additionally, this test is only used to identify aerobic bacteria, which require oxygen to grow. Anaerobic bacteria, which do not require oxygen, may also be responsible for bone infections and require different testing methods.

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