What Antibiotic sensitivity testing?

Antibiotics are antibiotics that are used to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are divided into
several categories. Each type is exclusively effective against a specific bacterial species. An
antibiotic sensitivity test might help you figure out which medication is best for your sickness.
Antibiotic-resistant illnesses may benefit from the test as well. Antibiotic resistance occurs when
regular antibiotics lose their effectiveness or effectiveness against specific microorganisms.
Antibiotic resistance has the potential to turn diseases that were once easily curable into serious,
even life-threatening conditions.

What is it used for?

Antibiotic sensitivity testing is used to determine the most effective treatment for a bacterial
illness. It can also be used to determine which treatments are most effective against specific
fungal infections.

If you have an infection that has been found to be resistant to antibiotics or is particularly
difficult to treat, you may need this test. Tuberculosis, MRSA, and C. diff are among them. If
you have a bacterial or fungal infection that is not responding to normal therapies, you may need
this test.

During an antibiotic sensitivity test, what happens?

● Blood culture -A tiny needle will be used to draw blood from a vein in your arm by a
health care provider. A small amount of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial once
the needle is inserted.
● Urine culture-As directed by your health care provider, you will submit a sterile urine
sample in a cup.
● Wound culture-A special swab will be used to collect a sample from the site of your
wound by your health care professional.
● Sputum culture-Sputum may be collected in a specific cup, or a sample from your nose
may be taken with a special swab.
● Throat culture-A special swab will be inserted into your mouth to take a sample from
the back of your throat and tonsils.
What do the results mean?

● Susceptible- The treatment that was tried slowed or killed the bacteria or fungus that was
causing your sickness. The medication could be an effective therapy option.
● Intermediate- A greater dose of the medication may be effective.
● Resistant- The medication had no effect on the infection-causing bacteria or fungus. It is
not a viable therapy option.

Importance

An antibiotic sensitivity test can help you figure out which antibiotics will work best for your
infection. Antibiotic-resistant illnesses may benefit from the test as well.

References
Antibiotic Sensitivity Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test. Medlineplus.gov. (2020). Retrieved 13
July 2021, from https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/antibiotic-sensitivity-test/.
Case-Lo, C., & Wu, B. (2020). Sensitivity Analysis. Healthline. Retrieved 13 July 2021, from
https://www.healthline.com/health/sensitivity-analysis.