MSU (routine culture & sensitivities)

MSU culture and sensitivities is a laboratory test that is used to identify and determine the sensitivity of bacteria causing a urinary tract infection (UTI). It involves analyzing a urine sample for the presence of bacteria and then growing the bacteria in a culture to identify the specific type of bacteria and its sensitivity to different antibiotics. A UTI occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. The symptoms of a UTI can include frequent urination, painful urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and lower abdominal pain. If a UTI is suspected, a healthcare professional will usually order a urine sample to be taken for laboratory analysis. The MSU culture and sensitivities test involves taking a sample of urine and placing it in a petri dish containing a nutrient-rich medium that promotes bacterial growth. The dish is then incubated at a specific temperature for 24-48 hours, allowing the bacteria to multiply and form visible colonies. Once the colonies have formed, the bacteria can be identified by their appearance and biochemical properties. This information is used to determine the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. Sensitivity testing is also performed to determine which antibiotics the bacteria are susceptible to. The results of the MSU culture and sensitivities test can help guide treatment for the UTI. If the bacteria causing the infection is identified and its sensitivity to antibiotics is known, a healthcare professional can prescribe an antibiotic that is likely to be effective against the bacteria. If the bacteria is resistant to many antibiotics, the healthcare professional may need to choose a more specialized antibiotic or refer the patient to a specialist.

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