Bacterial culture and sensitivity testing with Gram stain on a pus sample is ordered to identify the bacterial cause of an infection and determine the most effective antibiotic treatment.
When this test is required
This test is requested when an individual has symptoms of a bacterial infection, and the healthcare provider suspects that the infection is caused by bacteria. The test may also be ordered to monitor the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.
What the Test Detects
The test involves culturing the pus sample on a special medium and observing it for bacterial growth. The laboratory will also perform a Gram stain to identify the type of bacteria present. If bacteria are identified, additional testing will be performed to determine which antibiotics are most effective in treating the infection.
Preparation for the Test
No special preparation is usually required. However, the healthcare provider may give instructions on how to collect the pus sample and how to store and transport it to the laboratory.
Sample Requirements
A pus sample obtained from the site of the suspected bacterial infection is required for the test. The sample is typically collected using a syringe.
Additional Notes
It is important to collect the pus sample correctly and transport it to the laboratory as soon as possible. If the sample is not handled properly, it can result in a false-negative test result, which may delay appropriate treatment.
