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Sensitivity analysis   

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Antibiotic sensitivity

Definition:

A test to determine the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy against microorganisms that have been isolated and identified from cultures. Sensitivity analysis may be performed in conjunction with blood culture, urine culture (clean catch) or urine culture (catheterized specimen), sputum culture, culture from endocervix, throat culture, wound, and other cultures.

How the Test is Performed

Colonies of microorganisms are combined with different antibiotic agents and observed to see how well each antibiotic inhibits the growth of the microorganism. In essence, the test determines the effectiveness of each antibiotic against the particular organism.

How to Prepare for the Test

There is no special preparation.

How the Test will Feel

The way the test feels depends upon the method used for obtaining the specific culture.

Why the Test is Performed

The test determines the appropriate drug therapy for infections. Certain microorganisms may have a variant genetic strain that is not susceptible to a particular antibiotic.

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