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Culture & Sensitivity Single Swab

Bacterial/ Viral
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Report in 72Hrs

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At Home

nofastingrequire

No Fasting Required

Details

Identifies bacteria & antibiotic susceptibility.

₹370₹529

30% OFF

Culture & Sensitivity Single Swab - Comprehensive Medical Test Guide

  • Why is it done?
    • This test collects and analyzes microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens) from a specific body site using a single sterile swab to identify the causative organism of an infection and determine which antibiotics or antifungals are most effective against it.
    • Primary indications for ordering: • Suspected bacterial or fungal infection requiring identification and treatment guidance • Recurrent or persistent infections not responding to empiric therapy • Wound, abscess, or ulcer infections • Respiratory tract infections (throat, sputum, nasal discharge) • Urinary tract infections (UTI) with symptoms • Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening • Ear or eye discharge evaluation • Skin and soft tissue infections • Gastrointestinal infection assessment • Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infection investigation
    • Typical timing and circumstances: • Performed when acute infection is suspected and requires rapid identification • Often ordered at initial presentation of infection symptoms • May be repeated if initial cultures are negative but symptoms persist • Critical in hospital settings to guide infection control and treatment protocols • Results typically available within 24-72 hours depending on organism type
  • Normal Range
    • Normal Result (Negative Culture): • No growth or absence of pathogenic organisms • Indicates no significant infection at the specimen collection site • May show normal flora/commensal organisms that are expected from that site • Results reported as 'No growth', 'Negative', or 'Normal flora only'
    • Abnormal Result (Positive Culture): • Growth of one or more pathogenic microorganisms identified • Results include specific organism identification (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli) • Quantity reported as light, moderate, or heavy growth • May indicate single infection or polymicrobial infection (multiple organisms)
    • Sensitivity/Susceptibility Results: • Reported for each identified organism • Typically expressed as 'Susceptible (S)', 'Intermediate (I)', or 'Resistant (R)' • May also be reported as Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values • 'S' indicates antibiotic/antifungal is effective against the organism • 'R' indicates organism is resistant; antibiotic may not be effective • 'I' indicates borderline susceptibility; higher doses may be needed
    • Units of Measurement: • Colony Forming Units (CFU) or semi-quantitative descriptors (light, moderate, heavy) • Microorganism identification and categorization (gram-positive/negative, aerobic/anaerobic) • Antimicrobial agent names and corresponding susceptibility categories
    • Interpretation of Results: • Normal (Negative): Absence of pathogenic growth suggests no active infection at that site • Abnormal (Positive): Presence of pathogenic organism confirms infection and guides targeted therapy selection based on susceptibility results
  • Interpretation
    • Detailed Result Interpretation: • Negative Culture: Indicates either absence of infection, contamination during collection, or that organism burden is below detection threshold. May also indicate infection caused by a virus or organism requiring special culture conditions not routinely used.
    • Single Organism Isolated: • Suggests primary pathogen causing infection • Organism identification allows targeted antibiotic therapy • Susceptibility profile determines which antimicrobials are most effective • Example: S. aureus susceptible to amoxicillin and cephalosporins but resistant to penicillin
    • Multiple Organisms Isolated (Polymicrobial Infection): • Indicates complex infection requiring broader antimicrobial coverage • Common in wound, intra-abdominal, or anaerobic infections • May represent normal flora contamination (especially from skin or respiratory sites) • Clinical correlation needed to determine clinical significance
    • Susceptible (S) Results: • Indicates organism is inhibited by standard antimicrobial dosages • Antimicrobial is recommended for treatment • Higher likelihood of clinical cure when appropriate drug is used • Preferred choice when multiple susceptible agents available
    • Resistant (R) Results: • Indicates organism is not inhibited by standard antimicrobial doses • Antibiotic is not recommended for treatment despite clinical use • Alternative antimicrobials must be selected from susceptible agents • May indicate resistance mechanisms (e.g., MRSA - methicillin-resistant S. aureus) • Critical for preventing treatment failure and spread of resistant organisms
    • Intermediate (I) Results: • Indicates organism susceptibility is uncertain or borderline • Higher antimicrobial doses or drug concentrations may achieve effectiveness • Clinical context and infection site factors influence treatment decisions • May be used only in specific clinical situations (e.g., meningitis may require higher doses)
    • Factors Affecting Results: • Specimen collection technique and timing affect culture positivity • Contamination from skin flora, environmental sources, or improper collection • Specimen quality (adequacy of sample material) • Timing of collection relative to symptom onset • Prior antibiotic use affecting organism viability and sensitivity patterns • Transport time and temperature conditions during specimen handling • Storage conditions affecting organism survival • Patient immune status influencing clinical presentation
    • Clinical Significance of Result Patterns: • No growth + clinical symptoms: Consider inadequate specimen, poor timing, or non-bacterial etiology; repeat culture may be warranted • Growth of normal flora only: Suggests contamination; clinical correlation essential • Growth of pathogen susceptible to multiple agents: Allows narrowest spectrum therapy • Growth of multi-resistant organism: Limits treatment options; may require combination therapy • Pan-resistant organism (resistant to most agents): Serious prognostic indicator requiring infectious disease consultation
  • Associated Organs
    • Primary Organ Systems Involved: • Respiratory System: Throat, sinus, nasopharynx, sputum samples • Urinary System: Urine culture for UTI diagnosis • Integumentary System: Skin and soft tissue infections, wounds, ulcers • Gastrointestinal System: Stool samples, rectal cultures • Reproductive System: Cervical, urethral, or genital cultures for STI screening • Sensory Organs: Ear and eye discharge cultures • General Body Sites: Wound cultures, abscess drainage, body fluid specimens
    • Medical Conditions Associated with Abnormal Results: • Bacterial Infections: Streptococcal pharyngitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, wound infection, skin and soft tissue infection (cellulitis, abscess, impetigo) • Fungal Infections: Candidiasis, dermatomycosis, aspergillosis • Sexually Transmitted Infections: Gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes • Healthcare-Associated Infections: MRSA, Clostridioides difficile, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) • Opportunistic Infections: In immunocompromised patients (immunosuppression, HIV, chemotherapy) • Atypical Infections: Tuberculosis (requiring special media), fastidious organisms
    • Diseases Diagnosed/Monitored: • Acute bacterial infections requiring antimicrobial therapy • Chronic or recurrent infections with antibiotic failure • Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections • Sepsis and bacteremia assessment • Post-operative wound complications • Device-related infections (catheters, prosthetic joints, implants) • Empiric therapy inadequacy or treatment failure • Antibiotic resistance patterns in community or hospital settings
    • Potential Complications/Risks Associated with Abnormal Results: • Treatment Failure: Inappropriate antibiotic selection due to resistance • Disease Progression: Untreated or inadequately treated infection spreading systemically • Sepsis and Septic Shock: Severe infections causing systemic inflammatory response • Organ Damage: Infection-induced organ dysfunction or permanent damage • Increased Antibiotic Resistance: Contributing to community resistance patterns • Mortality: Severe infections with delayed appropriate therapy • Chronic Sequelae: Post-infectious complications (e.g., rheumatic fever after streptococcal infection) • Healthcare Associated Infection Transmission: Spread to other patients • Prolonged Hospitalization: Increased costs and morbidity from extended infection duration
  • Follow-up Tests
    • Additional Tests Based on Positive Results: • Repeat Culture: If initial culture is negative but clinical symptoms persist and high suspicion remains • Blood Culture: If systemic infection or bacteremia is suspected • Additional Site-Specific Cultures: From multiple body sites if polymicrobial or disseminated infection suspected • Extended Susceptibility Testing: Additional antimicrobials if initial results show resistance • Special Stains and Tests: Gram stain, acid-fast stain, or specific organism identification techniques • Molecular Testing: PCR, NAAT (nucleic acid amplification tests) for fastidious organisms • Fungal Culture and Identification: If fungal infection suspected but not initially isolated
    • Further Investigations for Negative Results: • Repeat Swab/Culture: If clinical suspicion remains high • Viral Culture or PCR Testing: If viral infection suspected (influenza, RSV, COVID-19) • Serological Testing: Antibody detection if acute viral infection suspected • Imaging Studies: CT, ultrasound, or X-ray to identify alternative diagnoses • Consultation with Infectious Disease Specialist: For complex cases or recurrent infections • Alternative Diagnostic Techniques: Biopsy, aspiration, or other sampling methods if necessary
    • Monitoring Frequency for Ongoing Conditions: • Recurrent UTI: Culture with each symptomatic episode • Chronic Wounds: Periodic cultures if infection develops despite treatment • Device-Related Infections: As clinically indicated when infection suspected • Suppurative Infections: Follow-up culture post-treatment to confirm eradication (generally not needed if clinically improving) • Immunocompromised Patients: More frequent monitoring for opportunistic infections • Nosocomial Infection Surveillance: Regular monitoring as part of infection control programs
    • Related Complementary Tests: • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Evaluates white blood cell elevation suggesting infection • C-Reactive Protein (CRP) or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): Non-specific inflammatory markers • Procalcitonin: Marker of bacterial infection severity • Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): Assesses organ function in systemic infection • Lactate: Indicator of severe infection/sepsis • Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT scan for localized infection assessment • Gram Stain: Preliminary organism identification before culture results • Anaerobic Culture: If anaerobic infection suspected • Fastidious Organism Culture Media: Special requirements for certain bacteria • Molecular Testing: MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for rapid organism identification • Antibiotic Level Monitoring: Therapeutic drug monitoring for certain antibiotics
  • Fasting Required?
    • Fasting Requirement:NO - Fasting is not required for this test
    • Patient Preparation Instructions: • No fasting necessary - regular diet and hydration before collection • Medication use does not interfere with specimen collection • Continue prescribed medications as directed
    • Site-Specific Preparation: • Throat Culture: Swab visible exudate, throat areas with erythema or inflammation. Avoid contamination with saliva • Genital/Urethral Culture: Abstain from urination 1-2 hours before specimen collection. Do not douche 24 hours prior (for cervical culture) • Wound Culture: Cleanse wound area per institutional protocol before swabbing. Collect from wound center • Nasal/Nasopharyngeal: No special preparation; natural secretions adequate • Respiratory (Sputum): Patient should rinse mouth with water before collection; cough to produce sputum • Urinary: Clean-catch midstream urine technique or catheter specimen • Rectal Culture: No special preparation required
    • Medications to Avoid: • No medications need to be withheld • Antibiotic use before culture may reduce organism detection (ideally collect before antibiotic initiation if possible) • Antiseptic mouthwash: Avoid 24 hours before throat culture as it may suppress organism growth • Topical antibiotics or antiseptics: Should not be applied to collection site immediately before swabbing
    • Other Preparation Requirements: • Proper specimen identification with patient name, medical record number, date, and time of collection • Use of sterile, appropriate swabs (usually provided in culture media kit) • Immediate transport to laboratory in appropriate media to prevent organism desiccation or overgrowth • Specimen stability varies by organism type and temperature (typically 24-48 hours at room temperature) • Cold transport for some specimens; room temperature for others - follow institutional protocol • Complete collection within 24 hours of symptom onset when possible for optimal recovery • Do not refrigerate unless specified • Avoid delays in transport to lab (ideally within 1-2 hours)

How our test process works!

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