What is this test?
A culture is a test to find the exact germs (such as bacteria or a fungus) that is causing an infection. A sensitivity test checks to see what kind of medicine, such as an antibiotic, will work best to treat the illness or infection.
 
Sample required
Ascitic fluid (abdominal fluid).
 
Patient preparation
Do not take antibiotics for at least 3 days before the test.
 
Turn-around time (How long does it take?)
3-5 days
 
Basis of the Test
A test that demonstrates the presence of disease causing organisms in the body. Culture and sensitivity demonstrates the presence of disease causing organisms in the body and to identify which medicines can best eliminate them. In this test, disease causing organisms (most commonly bacteria and fungi) are grown in the laboratory (cultured) and medicines tried on them to determine which ones best work on them (sensitivity testing).