Culture And Sensitivity Anaerobic Eye Sample
What is this test?
Eye sample may be cultured to test the sensitivity of the bacteria. This test helps in diagnosing the cause of eye infection. The goal is to see if there is an anaerobic infection present in the eye fluid (conjunctival fluid). For this test, a cotton swab is used to collect the fluid present in the eye. Your healthcare provider will pass a moistened swab two times or more over the lower conjunctiva.
What are eye infections?
When microorganisms like bacteria, virus or fungi invade eyeball or surrounding parts of eyeballs the eye infection occurs. Eye infections can be categorized according to the part of the eye that is getting infected for example conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, inflammation of the eyelid (blepharitis), inflammation of cornea (keratitis), the liquid inside the eye (vitritis), or it can also be categorized according to the type of organism that is causing the infection for example Ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS) caused by fungus (the condition is also called chorioretinitis). The symptoms of an eye infection include itchy eyes, pain, discomfort, burning sensation in the eyes, small painful lump at the base of your eyelashes or under your eyelid, pink color in the white of your eyes, crusty lashes and lids, discharge from one or both eyes that are yellow, green, or clear, swollen, red, or purple eyelids, etc.
What are anaerobic bacteria?
Anaerobic bacteria are bacteria that can not survive in the presence of oxygen. Some of the examples of anaerobic bacteria are Staphylococcus, E.Coli, Clostridium, Actinomyces, Acetobacterium, etc. The growth of anaerobic bacteria causes anaerobic infections. Anaerobic infections can occur when deep tissues are injured or exposed. This can occur due to surgery or trauma, etc. The risk factors of getting an anaerobic infection are diabetes, a weak immune system, low blood flow, staph infection, open wounds, etc. The common symptoms of anaerobic infection are smelly discharge, pus-filled abscess, discoloration of the infected area, etc.
Why this test is performed?
This test may be recommended to you if you experience certain symptoms like the burning of the eyes, itchy eyes, sticky thick mucus-like discharge from the eyes, redness, slight blurring of the vision, etc. This test may be specially performed to check if the infection is due to anaerobic bacteria or not. This test is also recommended to plan the treatment according to the type of bacteria. The test is also recommended to check the effectiveness of the treatment given.
Also known as C/S Anaerobic Eye Sample.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Culture And Sensitivity Anaerobic Eye Sample. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Culture And Sensitivity Anaerobic Eye Sample.
No specific preparation is required for this eye sample culture and sensitivity test.
Understanding your test results
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 anaerobic bacteria.
If your test results show positive it may indicate that you may have an anaerobic bacterial infection in your eye.
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 |