Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic, Nasal Swab- Automated Identification & Sensitivity on Vitek

Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic, Nasal Swab – Automated Identification & Sensitivity on VITEK

Test Name: Culture & Sensitivity, Aerobic – Nasal Swab
Method: Automated Identification & Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) on VITEK

About the Test

This test is performed on a nasal swab specimen to detect and identify clinically significant aerobic bacteria that may be present in the nasal passages. When a significant bacterial isolate is recovered, automated identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are performed using the VITEK system.

What Does the Test Detect?

• Aerobic bacterial growth from nasal swab specimens
• Identification of the bacterial organism
• Antibiotic susceptibility/resistance pattern
• Antibiotics likely to be effective against the identified organism

Why Is This Test Done?

It may be advised when a healthcare professional suspects:

• Bacterial infection or colonization of the nasal passages
• Recurrent nasal or upper respiratory infections
• Suspected antibiotic-resistant bacterial colonization
• Screening for specific bacterial carriage, when clinically indicated

Sample Required

Specimen: Nasal swab
Proper specimen collection and transport are important for reliable culture results.

Methodology

The specimen is cultured under appropriate aerobic conditions. If significant bacterial growth is detected, the isolate undergoes:

1. Automated bacterial identification
2. Automated antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST)
3. Interpretation of the susceptibility pattern according to applicable laboratory standards.

Result Interpretation

The report may include:

• Organism identified
• Culture result
• Antibiotics reported as Sensitive, Intermediate, or Resistant, where applicable.

Note: Detection of bacteria does not always indicate active infection. Results should be interpreted along with symptoms, clinical findings, and other investigations by the treating healthcare professional.