A Guide to Bacterial Culture Identification And Results Interpretation

Purpose: To provide a guide to interpreting bacterial culture results.

Methods: Studies were identified via a PubMed literature search (from 1966 to January 2018). Search terms included microbial sensitivity tests, microbial drug resistance, and anti-infective agents/pharmacology. Articles were included if they were published in English. References within identified articles were also reviewed.

Results: This paper reviewed core concepts of interpreting bacterial culture results, including timing of cultures, common culture sites, potential for contamination, interpreting the Gram stain, role of rapid diagnostic tests, conventional antibiotic susceptibility testing, and automated testing.

Conclusion: This guide can assist pharmacists in their role as integral members of the antimicrobial stewardship team in an effort to improve patient care.