Susceptibility Testing, Aerobic and Facultatively Anaerobic Organisms
Also known as: Sensitivity Testing
Use
Determine antimicrobial susceptibility of organisms involved in infectious processes when the susceptibility of the organism cannot be predicted from its identity. The pattern of antibiotic susceptibility is sometimes used to monitor nosocomial infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and to evaluate or follow the development of resistance to new antimicrobial drugs.1,2
Special Instructions
Identification of the organism is necessary to provide an accurate susceptibility interpretation. If not supplied by the client, identification will be performed at an additional charge.
Limitations
Interpretive criteria are not available for all bacteria. The categorization into susceptible, intermediate, and resistant is based on antibiotic levels in serum of individuals with normal kidney and liver function. Drugs concentrated in urine may treat urinary tract infections even if resistant per the categorical interpretation, and vice-versa for poorly vascularized areas even if interpreted as susceptible.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 23658-8
- 23658-8
Result Turnaround Time
3-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Other
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
A swab transport inoculated with the isolate from a pure culture or agar slant in screw-cap container packed as an etiologic agent.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Organism does not grow well on test media; isolated organism not provided; improper labeling.