A culture is done to find out what kind of
organism (usually a bacteria) is causing an illness or infection.
A sensitivity test checks to see what kind
of medicine, such as an antibiotic, will work best to treat the illness or
infection.
A culture is done by collecting a sample of fluid or tissue and
then rubbing the sample onto a special plate with prepared gelatin (culture).
If there are bacteria in the sample, they will grow in the culture, usually
within 2 days.
A culture and sensitivity test may be done on many different body
fluids, such as urine, mucus, blood, pus, saliva, breast milk, spinal fluid, or
discharge from the vagina or penis.
