The Bed Sores for Bacterial Culture/Sensitivity (Aerobic) Gram Stain Lab Test is a medical diagnostic test done on a sample taken from any injury to the skin due to prolonged, excessive pressure. It is performed to determine the presence of certain bacteria causing various diseases.
It generally gives quick and accurate results which help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis and initiate effective treatment.
Some infections are caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; these bacteria stain purple or pink, respectively, and can be viewed under a microscope.
A sample, taken from any injury to the skin due to prolonged and excessive pressure, is collected, prepared, and observed under a microscope. The gram stain test helps determine the presence of bacteria, and their type and shape.
- What are the risks associated with this test?
There are no significant risks associated with this test, except for redness, pain, and irritation at the tested site. However, if you experience any severe reactions, please contact your doctor immediately.
- Does gram staining help make an accurate diagnosis?
Gram staining is a medical laboratory test; it is diagnostic and usually helps identify the infection-causing bacteria accurately. However, its use is only limited to bacteria that pick up the gram stain. All disease-causing bacteria do not show up with gram-staining.
- What is the bedsores bacterial gram stain test for?
Bedsores, also known as decubitus ulcers and ulcers, are injuries to the skin and the underlying tissues due to excessive and prolonged pressure. These sores mostly develop on bony areas of the body, such as hips, ankles, heels, and the tailbone. The bedsores bacterial gram stain tests for any bacteria that may be infecting these wounds and causing various abnormalities or diseases.
- How is the bedsores bacterial gram stain test done?
A medical professional collects a small amount of the fluid from the wound or gently rubs a cotton swab across the injury for the sample. The sample is then prepared and observed under a microscope.
- Is the bedsores bacterial gram stain test painful?
Before the procedure, a numbing medicine may be applied over the testing site, if necessary. The test may cause mild to moderate pain and discomfort.
Certain infectious bacteria may or may not be present; this is determined by the gram stain lab test. Once the bacteria are identified, appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Some infections are mild, whilst others are serious and can have dire consequences. Getting tested is necessary for ruling out the causes of any abnormalities, which may be resolved within a few hours or, in some serious cases, last for years and require life-long treatment.
Getting tested is essential for the following reasons:
- Helps you and your doctor diagnose various allergies, infections, auto-immune disorders, cancers, metabolic disorders, anemia, etc.
- Regular check-up
- Diagnose conditions before they progress and prove to be fatal
- Plan treatment and evaluate the effectiveness of given therapy
