An abscess is a pus-filled mass that can develop anywhere in the body due to various causes, such as an infection, trauma, persistent injury, or an intra-abdominal infection that has spread to the surrounding organs through the circulation.
The Abscess for Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity (Aerobic) Gram Stain Lab Test is a clinical test that checks for any bacteria that are present in the abscess. The timely detection allows for early control of the bacteria that may cause mild or serious infections.
A sample of the Abscess is usually taken for the test with a fine needle. Please consult your doctor for further information.
- What are the risks associated with this test?
The risks associated with the test are mainly dependent on the site being tested. In most cases, you may experience temporary discomfort and irritation during and, for a short time, after the test. If you experience any severe reactions, please contact your doctor immediately.
- Is the Abscess collection procedure painful?
Most patients who have undergone this procedure consider it to be fairly tolerable in terms of pain and discomfort. However, local or general anesthesia (temporary sleep and insensitivity to pain) may be used in some cases.
- Can I get serious infections in the Abscess?
While some bacterial infections are mild and reasonably treatable, others may be serious and require aggressive antibiotic therapy. Therefore, you should discuss your condition with your doctor and follow all instructions and necessary precautions.
- Can I eat normally if I have an Abscess?
Eating healthy is necessary if you have Abscess as foods with good nutritional value will strengthen your immunity system and help heal the infection faster. The recommended foods include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole-grain foods
- Low-fat dairy products
However, please note that you may require a special diet if your food intake adversely affects the abscess-affected site. Please ask your doctor if you need any adjustments in your diet.
- How long does it take to recover from an abscess?
The recovery time is highly dependent on the site affected. However, in cases such as liver abscess, it usually takes approximately 18-20 weeks for the liver to heal itself and resume normal functioning. Please note that it may take longer for the infection to be completely eliminated in severe cases and the infected organ to entirely heal itself. For effective and quick healing, please follow your doctor’s instructions.
The results may be positive or negative, depending on the type of bacteria present.
Positive: Meaning that you have an infection and require treatment.
Negative: Meaning you do not have an infection.
Some bacterial infections are mild, whilst others are serious and can have dire consequences. Getting tested is essential for the following reasons:
- Helps you and your doctor diagnose various infections and predict the outcomes
- Regular check-up
- Diagnose conditions before they progress and prove to be fatal
- Plan treatment and evaluate the effectiveness of given therapy