What happens during an antibiotic sensitivity test?
The test is done by taking a sample from the infected site. The most common types of tests are listed below.
Blood culture
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial.
Urine culture
You will provide a sterile sample of urine in a cup, as instructed by your health care provider.
Wound culture
Your health care provider will use a special swab to collect a sample from the site of your wound.
Sputum culture
You may be asked to cough up sputum into a special cup, or a special swab may be used to take a sample from your nose.
Throat culture
Your health care provider will insert a special swab into your mouth to take a sample from the back of the throat and tonsils.
