Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic bacteria, Nasal Swab, Conventional Identification & AST

Culture & Sensitivity – Aerobic Bacteria, Nasal Swab

Conventional Identification & Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST)

Test Overview

This test is used to detect and identify aerobic bacterial organisms present in a nasal swab specimen and determine which antibiotics are likely to be effective against the identified bacteria.

Why is this test done?

It may be recommended when a bacterial infection or colonization of the nasal passages is suspected, particularly in cases of:

• Recurrent nasal or upper respiratory infections
• Persistent nasal discharge or congestion
• Suspected bacterial colonization
• Recurrent skin/soft-tissue infections associated with nasal carriage
• Screening for specific bacterial carriage when clinically indicated
• Suspected antibiotic-resistant organisms

Sample Required

Nasal Swab

Method

Conventional bacterial culture, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).

The specimen is cultured under appropriate conditions. If significant bacterial growth is detected, the organism is identified using conventional microbiological methods and its antimicrobial susceptibility is tested.

What does the report show?

The report may include:

• Culture result: No significant growth / bacterial growth detected
• Organism identified: Name of the bacterial species, when isolated
• Antibiotic susceptibility: Sensitive, Intermediate, or Resistant to tested antibiotics
• Comments: Relevant microbiology interpretation, where applicable

Clinical Significance

Culture and sensitivity testing helps healthcare professionals distinguish clinically relevant bacterial growth from insignificant findings and supports targeted antibiotic selection rather than relying solely on empirical treatment.

Note: A positive culture does not always mean active infection. Results should be interpreted along with symptoms, examination findings and other clinical information.