Antimicrobial Susceptibility - Not Otherwise Specified
Use
This test determines the in-vitro susceptibility of bacterial organisms to antimicrobial agents, which are crucial for guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy. It provides important data on whether a bacterial strain is susceptible, intermediate, or resistant to specific antibiotics, helping clinical practitioners select the most effective treatment for infections.
Special Instructions
Organism-specific antimicrobial susceptibility tests are recommended. Specific antibiotics to be tested should be indicated on the test request to ensure their inclusion in the panel. An additional processing fee will be billed for all organisms not submitted in pure culture. If species identification is not provided, identification will be performed at ARUP, with additional charges applied.
Limitations
The susceptibility testing is organism-dependent and varies based on the methods and agents used. Environmental factors, resistance mechanisms, and laboratory conditions may affect the results, leading to variability in interpretation. Mixed cultures or nonviable organisms are not acceptable, and the test's performance is contingent upon the quality of the submitted specimen.
Methodology
Culture-based
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 29576-6
- 29576-6
Result Turnaround Time
2-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cultured Cells
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Transport sealed container with pure culture on agar slant.
Collection Instructions
Submit actively growing isolate in pure culture. Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature. If suspected of containing a microorganism identified as an infectious substance, follow Infectious Substance, Category A, shipping guidelines.
Causes for Rejection
Mixed cultures or nonviable organisms.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 1 week |
| Refrigerated | Unacceptable |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
