Aerobic C&S Urine Culture Automated - MIC
Test Code
C61
Also Known As
No data available
Test Parameters Included
No data available
Department
MICROBIOLOGY
Methodology
Automated Culture and Susceptibility Testing (MIC)
This test utilizes an Automated Culture and Susceptibility Testing system. The process involves:
* Automated Inoculation: The urine sample is automatically inoculated onto appropriate culture media (e.g., Blood Agar, MacConkey Agar) using calibrated loops to ensure a standardized quantity of urine is plated. This allows for semi-quantitation of bacterial growth.
* Automated Incubation: The inoculated plates are then automatically transferred to an incubator at a specific temperature (typically 35-37°C) for a defined period (usually 18-24 hours).
* Automated Growth Detection & Colony Counting: After incubation, automated systems (e.g., using imaging technology) detect and count bacterial colonies, identifying significant bacteriuria based on pre-defined colony forming unit (CFU) thresholds (e.g., \\ge 10^5 CFU/mL for uncomplicated UTIs, lower thresholds for catheterized patients or specific clinical contexts).
* Automated Identification (ID): If significant growth is detected, the system automatically isolates pure colonies and performs rapid biochemical or mass spectrometry (e.g., MALDI-TOF) tests to identify the specific bacterial species (e.g., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis).
* Automated Susceptibility Testing (AST) - MIC: Once the bacteria are identified, the automated system prepares a standardized bacterial suspension and performs susceptibility testing. This involves exposing the bacteria to various concentrations of different antibiotics. The system then measures the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for each antibiotic. The MIC is the lowest concentration of an antibiotic that prevents visible growth of the bacterium.
* Automated Interpretation: The MIC values are then automatically interpreted by the system (based on established clinical breakpoints from organizations like CLSI - Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) to determine if the isolate is Susceptible (S), Intermediate (I), or Resistant (R) to each tested antibiotic.
This automated approach offers rapid, standardized, and highly accurate results for both bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility, crucial for guiding effective antibiotic therapy.
Sample Required
Urine (Mid-Stream Clean Catch or Catheterized)
* The preferred sample type is a mid-stream clean-catch urine specimen to minimize contamination from the skin and urethra. Patients are provided with clear instructions on how to collect this specimen.
* For hospitalized or specific patient populations, a catheterized urine specimen may be collected.
* First-morning urine is often preferred as it is more concentrated and likely to yield organisms if present.
* Minimum volume: Typically 5-10 mL of urine is sufficient.
* Sterile container: Urine must be collected in a sterile, leak-proof container.
* Timely transport/refrigeration: The specimen should be transported to the laboratory immediately or refrigerated (4°C) for up to 24 hours to prevent overgrowth of contaminants or degradation of pathogens.
Preparation
Proper collection and timely transport of the urine sample are paramount for accurate results to avoid contamination and bacterial overgrowth. * Patient Instructions: Provide the patient with clear, d... Read more
Schedule Report
72 Hours (3 Days)
Emergency Report
Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
No data available
Test Description
- High-end laboratory & medical equipment.
- Outstanding doctor team.
- Personalized care & high-quality service.
- Tailormade health screening packages.