What it means
A sample such as urine, blood, sputum or wound drainage is placed where bacteria can grow. The culture names the organism that grows; the sensitivity (also called susceptibility) shows which antibiotics kill it or stop its growth, and which it resists. First results often take 24 to 72 hours, so the provider may start a broad antibiotic and change it when the results come back.
For the nurse
Collect the sample before the first dose of antibiotic, using sterile technique so skin germs do not spoil it, and send it to the lab promptly. Check the results when they come back and tell the provider if the organism resists the antibiotic the client is on.
In a chart
"Urine C&S sent before first dose of ceftriaxone; results pending."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | C&S |
|---|---|
| Also written | C&S, culture and susceptibility |
Related terms
bacterium
A tiny one-celled living thing, seen only under a microscope, of which some kinds cause disease; the plural is bacteria.
pathogen
A germ, such as a bacterium, virus, fungus or parasite, that can cause disease.
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
swab
A small piece of absorbent material on the end of a stick, used to collect a sample or to clean or apply something.
antibiotic resistance
The ability of bacteria to survive an antibiotic that used to kill them or stop their growth.