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Sensitivity analysis
Definition:
A test to determine the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy against microorganisms that have been isolated and identified from cultures. Sensitivity analysis may be performed in conjunction with blood culture, urine culture (clean catch) or urine culture (catheterized specimen), sputum culture, culture from endocervix, throat culture, wound, and other cultures.

Alternative Names:
Antibiotic sensitivity

How the test is performed:
Colonies of microorganisms are combined with different antibiotic agents and observed to see how well each antibiotic inhibits the growth of the microorganism. In essence, the test determines the effectiveness of each antibiotic against the particular organism.
How to prepare for the test:
There is no special preparation.
How the test will feel:
The way the test feels depends upon the method used for obtaining the specific culture.
Why the test is performed:
The test determines the appropriate drug therapy for infections. Certain microorganisms may have a variant genetic strain that is not susceptible to a particular antibiotic.
What abnormal results mean:
Drug resistance of the microorganism.
What the risks are:
The risks depend upon the method used for obtaining the specific culture.
Review Date: 11/21/2001
Reviewed By: Steven Angelo, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Hospital of Saint Raphael, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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