Screening cultures

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Screening Cultures is a medical procedure that involves testing a sample of body fluid or tissue to detect the presence of certain microorganisms. This process is crucial in diagnosing and treating various infectious diseases.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Screening cultures are typically used to identify bacteria, fungi, and viruses that may be causing an infection. The sample used for the culture can come from various parts of the body, including the throat, nose, urine, blood, or stool. The sample is placed in a special environment that encourages the growth of microorganisms. If microorganisms grow, they can be identified and tested to determine the most effective treatment.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure for obtaining a screening culture depends on the type of sample being collected. For example, a throat culture involves swabbing the back of the throat and tonsils with a sterile swab. A urine culture involves collecting a clean-catch urine sample. A blood culture involves drawing blood from a vein.

Once the sample is collected, it is sent to a laboratory where it is placed in a special medium that encourages the growth of microorganisms. The sample is then observed for several days to see if any microorganisms grow.

Results[edit | edit source]

The results of a screening culture can help determine the cause of an infection and guide treatment decisions. If microorganisms are found, further testing can be done to determine their sensitivity to various antibiotics. This can help the healthcare provider choose the most effective treatment.

Risks[edit | edit source]

The risks associated with screening cultures are generally low. There may be some discomfort or pain when the sample is collected. There is also a small risk of infection or bleeding, especially with blood cultures.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Screening cultures Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD