Gram staining is typically performed when a bacterial infection is suspected. Smears from collected body fluids (sputum, blood, wound seepage, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.) can be gram stained.
The results of a gram stain will indicate first whether any bacteria were detected in the sample, and whether those bacteria tested gram positive, gram negative, or gram indeterminate. The shape of the bacteria will also be noted, as well as details concerning quantity and location (intracellular...
Gram staining is typically performed when a bacterial infection is suspected. Smears from collected body fluids (sputum, blood, wound seepage, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.) can be gram stained.
The results of a gram stain will indicate first whether any bacteria were detected in the sample, and whether those bacteria tested gram positive, gram negative, or gram indeterminate. The shape of the bacteria will also be noted, as well as details concerning quantity and location (intracellular versus extracellular) of the bacteria.
A gram stain serves two primary diagnostic purposes - to confirm whether or not bacteria are present and to aid the provider in making an appropriate antibiotic selection based on the type of bacteria. A gram stain may also sometimes rule out bacterial infection, or reveal a fungal infection.
Nowadays, much more specific information can be obtained about the type of bacteria present by doing a genetic analysis. However, these tests are more costly and take time.
Without the ability to gram stain, a doctor would be forced to prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are effective against many types of bacteria, including gram positive and gram negative. As opposed to narrow-spectrum antibiotics, which are effective against smaller groups of related bacteria.
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