How Is Sensitivity Testing For Antibiotics Done?

Posted on Wed, 21 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 Answered on

Thu, 19 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi my name is Mrs XXXXXXX XXXXXXX .i have got asthma mrsa and have been given some advice about a sensitive test for antibiotics how is this test done as I don't no XXXXXXX thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It's simple test to determine the most sensitive..

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mrs XXXXXXX

Thank you for sharing with us your concerns.

The sensitivity testing for antibiotics consists in culturing sputum or other infected body fluids to isolate the pathogen (bacteria). You will need to provide the specimen to the lab technician. Or in case you have any lump, the lab technician or your primary doctor will take the abscess by using a sterile cotton bud.

After isolation, the lab technician will run sensitivity testing to determine the most sensitive antibiotics for this pathogen.

In this way, will have more warranties over success of the treatment.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (17 hours later)

Hi thank you for getting back to me and guiding with this .how would I have got mrsa . Is this a bug that I mite off. Got from having a op just that I was tested for mrsa before op and was clear this is not about making a clam just need a strait answer please thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Following answers regarding MRSA...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back XXXXXXX

MRSA =METHYCYLIN RESISTENT STAPHILOCOCCUS AERUS infection

It is an infection caused by the methycilin resistant strain of Staphylococcus aerus.
This strain is resistent to most of antibiotics apart of clindamycin or vancomycin.

Please bare in mind that Staphylococcus is part of flora normally residing in the skin.

It can rarely cause serious infections such as pneumonia or skin wounds when entering inside the bloodstream or in contact with wound.

Being in close contact with patients suffering from MRSA and antibiotics use increases chances to contract this pathogenic strain.

Hope it answered to your queries! Let me know if I can be of further assistance!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (4 hours later)

Thank you XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Happy to be assisting you..please do not forget to close this thread...

Detailed Answer:
You're most welcomed!

I am happy that I was of help!

Please do not forget to close this discussion if you have no more query!

All the best!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar