The catheter tip may be cultured to test the sensitivity of the bacteria. This test helps in diagnosing catheter-related bloodstream infection. The goal is to see if there is an aerobic infection present. For this test, a catheter tip (2 inches to 5 cm) which is beneath the skin is cut and collected in a sterile container and sent to the laboratory.
This catheter-related bloodstream infection is due to the presence of bacteria originating from an intravenous (i.v.) catheter. This infection is also called as catheter-related sepsis. This infection is the most common complication of catheterization. Catheter-related bloodstream infections may trigger a systemic inflammatory response which will lead to fever, leucocytosis (increase in the number of white blood cells), low blood pressure, pale and cool arms and legs, chills, difficulty in breathing and decreased urine output. Mental confusion and disorientation may also develop quickly.
Bacteria are the single-celled micro-organisms that can live within the soil, in the ocean and also inside the human gut. They have a number of shapes such as spirals, rods, and spheres etc. Some bacteria can cause illness to the human body and some other plays a major role in the overall functioning of our ecosystem.
Aerobic bacteria are the bacteria which can survive in the presence of oxygen only. In the absence of oxygen, aerobic bacteria cannot survive and can die. Some of the aerobic bacteria are Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Nocardia, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis etc.
This test may be performed to assess potential catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). If you experience symptoms like low blood pressure, pale and cool arms, and legs, chills, difficulty in breathing and decreased urine output, mental confusion, disorientation, etc then this test is performed. This test may be specially performed to check if the infection is due to aerobic bacteria or not. This test is also recommended to plan the treatment according to the type of bacteria. The test is recommended to check the effectiveness of the treatment given.
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Culture And Sensitivity Aerobic Catheter Tip. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Culture And Sensitivity Aerobic Catheter Tip.
No specific preparation is required for this test.
The normal test results may vary depending on age, health history, medical condition, etc.
If your test results show negative it means there is no growth of aerobic bacteria.
If your test results show positive it may indicate that you may have aerobic bacterial infection.
If you get abnormal test results, consult your doctor immediately with your lab test reports.
Gender | Age groups | Value |
UNISEX | All age groups | The growth depends on the infecting organism. Clearing around the disc indicates organism is sensitive to antibiotic |