Antibiotic Sensitivity Test Test
An antibiotic sensitivity test helps find which antibiotic will work best to treat your bacterial or fungal infection. It also checks if the bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics.
What this test measures
This test measures how effective different antibiotics are at stopping the growth of or killing the bacteria or fungus causing your infection.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is an antibiotic sensitivity test?
It is a test that helps find out which antibiotic will be most effective in treating your bacterial or fungal infection.
Why might I need this test?
You may need it to find the best treatment for a bacterial infection or to check if your infection is antibiotic-resistant.
What does 'susceptible' mean in my results?
Susceptible means the tested antibiotic stopped the growth or killed the bacteria or fungus, so it may be a good choice for treatment.
What does 'resistant' mean?
Resistant means the antibiotic did not stop the growth or kill the bacteria or fungus, so it would not be a good choice for treatment.
What if my results are resistant to all antibiotics?
If your results are resistant to all medicines, you may need to take a few medicines that may work better together.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Antibiotic Sensitivity Test — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.