When a Culture and Sensitivity (C&S) - Urine test is said to "come online," it generally refers to the test results becoming available to the healthcare provider or the patient, often through an electronic health records (EHR) system. Here's how it happens:
Sample Collection: A urine sample is collected from the patient, typically through a clean-catch midstream method to reduce contamination.
Laboratory Processing:
- Culture: The urine sample is placed on or in a culture medium in the laboratory, where it is incubated to allow any bacteria present to grow. This usually takes 24 to 48 hours, but in some cases, it may take longer.
- Identification: Once bacteria grow, lab technicians identify the type of bacteria using various biochemical tests.
- Sensitivity Testing: After identifying the bacteria, the lab tests the bacteria's sensitivity to different antibiotics by exposing them to various antibiotics and observing their growth patterns.
Result Compilation: The results are compiled, showing which bacteria were found (if any) and which antibiotics are most effective against them.
Electronic Entry: The results are entered into the lab's computer system, which is connected to the hospital or clinic's electronic health records (EHR) system.
Results Availability ("Coming Online"): Once the results are entered and validated by the lab, they become available to healthcare providers through the EHR system. Depending on the healthcare facility, patients may also have access to their results through patient portals.
Notification: In some cases, healthcare providers or patients receive notifications (via text, email, or an app) that the test results are ready to be viewed.
This process ensures that healthcare providers have timely access to critical information needed to diagnose and treat urinary tract infections effectively.
what are the benefits of a CULTURE AND SENSITIVITY - URINE coming online?
