Culture & Sensitivity (C&S) – Aerobic Bacteria, Eye Swab (Conventional Identification & AST)

Test Overview

The Culture & Sensitivity (C&S) – Aerobic Bacteria, Eye Swab test is performed to detect aerobic bacterial infections of the eye and identify the most effective antibiotics for treatment. A sterile swab is collected from the affected eye (conjunctiva, eyelid margin, corneal ulcer, or discharge) and cultured in the laboratory. If bacterial growth is detected, the organism is identified using conventional microbiological methods, followed by Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) to determine which antibiotics are Sensitive (S), Intermediate (I), or Resistant (R).

Why is this Test Recommended?

Your doctor may recommend this test if you have:

• Redness and irritation of the eye
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Yellow, green, or thick eye discharge
• Sticky eyelids, especially after waking
• Excessive tearing
• Burning sensation
• Corneal ulcer
• Recurrent eye infections
• Infection after eye surgery
• Contact lens-related eye infections
• Poor response to previous antibiotic treatment

Conditions Diagnosed

• Bacterial Conjunctivitis
• Blepharitis
• Keratitis
• Corneal Ulcer
• Dacryocystitis
• Endophthalmitis (supportive diagnosis)
• Post-operative Eye Infection
• Contact Lens-associated Infection

Common Aerobic Bacteria Detected

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Coagulase-negative Staphylococci
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Streptococcus pyogenes
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Moraxella species
• Escherichia coli
• Klebsiella species
• Enterobacter species
• Proteus species
• Acinetobacter species

Test Includes

• Eye Swab Specimen Processing
• Aerobic Bacterial Culture
• Conventional Bacterial Identification
• Colony Characterization
• Gram Staining (where applicable)
• Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST)
• Detailed Laboratory Report with Sensitive/Resistant Antibiotics

Sample Required

• Sample Type: Eye Swab
• Collection Method: Sterile swab collected by a healthcare professional
• Fasting Required: No
• Home Collection: Available (if applicable)

Patient Preparation

• Avoid applying antibiotic eye drops or ointments before sample collection unless instructed by your doctor.
• Inform the laboratory about any antibiotics currently being used.
• Remove contact lenses before specimen collection.
• Follow your ophthalmologist's instructions.

Turnaround Time

Approximately 48–72 hours

Additional time may be required if slow-growing organisms or further testing is necessary.

Report Includes

• Culture Result (Growth / No Growth)
• Organism Identified
• Conventional Identification
• Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern (AST)
• Sensitive (S), Intermediate (I), Resistant (R) Results
• Laboratory Interpretation

Clinical Significance

Early identification of the infecting organism helps doctors prescribe the most effective antibiotic, reduces unnecessary antibiotic use, prevents complications such as corneal damage or vision loss, and supports faster recovery.

Who Should Get This Test?

• Patients with suspected bacterial eye infections
• Individuals with persistent eye discharge
• Contact lens users with eye pain or redness
• Patients not responding to empirical antibiotic therapy
• Post-operative ophthalmic patients
• Individuals with recurrent eye infections

Disclaimer

This test is intended for the detection of aerobic bacterial pathogens only. It does not detect viral, fungal, parasitic, or anaerobic infections unless specifically requested. Test results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in conjunction with clinical findings.