The Vitreous Tap for bacterial Culture/Sensitivity (Aerobic) e Gram Stain Lab Test is a medical diagnostic test done on a sample of vitreous fluid of the eye. It is performed to determine the presence of certain bacteria causing various eye diseases and tumors.
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 of the vitreous fluid from the eye is taken, 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 mild 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 e 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 does a Vitreous Tap test for?
Vitreous tap test is mostly done where there is excessive or abnormal-looking discharge from the eye or any eye disease is suspected. The test helps diagnose several mild and serious eye conditions and aids the doctor in initiating effective treatment.
- How is the Vitreous Tap test done?
A medical professional uses a 27- to 22- gauge needle that is mounted on a tuberculin syringe. The needle is then inserted into the eye, supported by the dominant hand. About 0.5 mL of the vitreous fluid is aspirated by slowly withdrawing the plunger with the non-dominant hand.
- Is the Vitreous Tap test painful?
Before putting the needle into the eye, a local anesthetic is administered to the patient which significantly lowers pain sensitivity. Therefore, during the procedure you may feel slight discomfort knowing something is going on; however, you are least likely to experience severe pain.
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