Susceptibility Testing
Also known as: Sensitivity testing; Drug resistance testing; Culture and sensitivity; C & S
Formal name: Bacterial and Fungal Susceptibility Testing
Related tests: Urine culture; Blood culture; Bacterial wound culture; AFB smear and culture; MRSA; Fungal Tests
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To determine the likelihood that a particular antimicrobial agent will be effective in stopping the growth of the bacteria or fungi causing your infection
When to Get Tested?
As follow-up to a positive bacterial or fungal culture; when you have an infection and one or more types of bacteria or fungi have been grown and isolated in a culture from a sample obtained from the site of suspected infection; when your infection is not responding to treatment
Sample Required?
A sample of a pure culture of bacteria or fungi grown and isolated from an infected body site
Test Preparation Needed?
None
