What Does a Culture and Sensitivity Reveal?
Normal culture results yield “no bacterial growth” unless the sample is taken from an area usually inhabited by bacteria such as the nose or oral cavity. Positive results mean that a microorganism or bacterium was found. In most cases, the specific bacteria are identified (for example, streptococcus spp. GA_googleFillSlot(“Articles-InsideContent-Left-300×250”); GA_googleFillSlot(“Articles-InsideContent-Right-300×250”); ). A positive culture is needed before a sensitivity test can be done. Sensitivity reveals which antibiotics (or antimicrobial drugs) would be most effective against the isolated bacteria, which antibiotics are moderately effective, and which antibiotics would likely have no effect on the infection. How Is a Culture and Sensitivity Done? Cultures are commonly taken using a special cotton-tipped applicator. This applicator is placed in the fluid, tissue or organ to be tested, and the tip is soaked and placed into a commercially prepared transport container, which is then
