Pus and body fluid culture and sensitivity
Quick answer: This test grows bacteria from pus or body fluid and checks which antibiotics work against them. It is ordered for abscesses, infected wounds and infections of fluid around the lungs, joints or belly.
- SamplePus or fluid
- TakesA few minutes to about 20 minutes, depending on the site
- Before the testThe sample is usually collected by a doctor or nurse; tell staff if you are already taking antibiotics.
How the test is done
- 1The doctor cleans the skin over the area
- 2Pus or fluid is drawn with a needle or collected with a swab
- 3Deep samples are taken with a syringe where possible
- 4The sample is sent quickly for staining and culture
What your results can mean
Reading your report
A positive result names the organism and the antibiotics it responds to; discuss treatment with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
Growth of bacteria can point to an abscess, a wound infection, or infected joint, chest or belly fluid. No growth can occur after antibiotics or with germs that are hard to grow.
Who usually has this test
People with abscesses, infected wounds, or fluid around the lungs, joints or belly that may be infected.
Risks and aftercare
The site may be sore; keep it clean and watch for spreading redness or fever.
Names and options
Also called: pus culture, wound culture, fluid culture, pus C/S
Options
- Body fluid
- Pus (swab)
- Pus (syringe sample)
Listed by the hospital as
- CULTURE AND SENSITIVITY, FLUID
- CULTURE AND SENSITIVITY, PUS
- CULTURE AND SENSITIVITY, SYRINGE PUS
Questions about this test
Is pus drawn with a needle more useful than a surface swab?
Usually yes. Pus or fluid drawn with a needle gives a clearer result, while a surface swab can pick up skin germs that are not causing the infection.
Why is the pus sample sent quickly?
Some germs die when exposed to air or left standing. Quick delivery helps them grow in the lab.
Can this culture find TB?
Routine culture does not grow TB bacteria. A separate AFB culture is needed if TB is suspected.
Related tests
Tamara Hospital & IVF Centre, Rajajinagar
34/3, 10th Cross Road, opp. Vardhaka Sardar Patel School, 1st N Block, 2nd Stage, Rajajinagar, Bengaluru 560010
The hospital is open 24 hours. Call before you come to check the timing for your scan or sample collection.
Get directions ↗IVF Pulse fertility care at Tamara Hospital →
Reception
Waiting area
IVF lab
This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.