Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic, Catheter Tip
Automated Identification & Sensitivity on VITEK
🧪 Test Overview
This test is performed to detect and identify aerobic bacteria that may be present on a catheter tip and determine their antibiotic susceptibility. Automated identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are performed using the VITEK system.
🔬 What Does the Test Detect?
- Aerobic bacterial growth associated with catheter tips
- Identification of the causative microorganism
- Antibiotics to which the isolated organism is Sensitive, Intermediate, or Resistant
🩺 When Is It Recommended?
The test may be advised when a patient with an indwelling catheter develops signs suggestive of a catheter-associated infection, such as:
- Fever or chills
- Unexplained infection or sepsis
- Local inflammation around the catheter site
- Clinical suspicion of catheter-related bloodstream infection
📋 Sample Required
Catheter tip collected aseptically and submitted to the laboratory promptly.
⚙️ Method
Culture → Automated Identification → Automated Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) using VITEK
📊 Report
The report generally includes:
- Organism identified
- Bacterial growth status
- Antibiotic susceptibility pattern
- Sensitive (S), Intermediate (I), or Resistant (R) results
⏱️ Turnaround Time
Typically 24–72 hours, depending on bacterial growth and identification.
Important: Antibiotic treatment should be selected by the treating clinician based on the patient's clinical condition and susceptibility results.
