Culture and Sensitivity - RO Water Test
Dr. Sreelekha DaruvariLast Updated on 23rd March 2022Table of contents
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What is Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test used for?
A culture and sensitivity test is used to confirm the presence or absence of pathogens in the water sample. A business or an industry using water on a regular basis needs to undergo this test to confirm the usage of good quality water and purify water in case of contamination.
At the household level, if an individual or a group experiences symptoms related to indigestion, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc, a culture and sensitivity-RO water test may be done to rule out the cause of symptoms arising from the consumption of contaminated water by a certified health professional. Culture and sensitivity tests can also be done on bodily fluids (blood, urine, perspiration) to determine whether the patient is unwell as a result of microorganisms present in the water sample.
What is included in Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test?
A culture test consists of a medium where the water sample is placed and bacterial growth is promoted depending on the type of infection suspected or the industry where testing is being done. The culture medium is allowed to rest for a few hours or days. This allows the pathologist or microbiologist to assess the presence of bacteria in the water sample. If bacteria grow, antibiotics are applied to the culture medium to assess the response of the bacteria known as the sensitivity test. If the antibiotics are successful in killing the bacteria, the water is said to be treatable and fit for consumption. In the RO, water is passed through a semipermeable membrane to purify it.
Procedure for Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test
Individual household or industrial water to be tested is collected by a pathologist or lab technician. No special preparation is required. The water sample is tested in a certified laboratory. A medium and method of testing are selected depending upon the source of the water sample. Appropriate bacteria or other microorganism growth is allowed known as colonies followed by the application of corresponding antimicrobials. The responses or effects are recorded and reported.
How to prepare for Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test?
There is no need for preparation. The water to be tested should not be consumed or used until deemed fit. If a patient has particular symptoms after drinking from a water source, he should notify his doctor. Any drugs, particularly antibiotics, that the patient is taking should also be disclosed to the doctor.
Things to consider after Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test is complete
If an individual is infected with diseased water, he should be given appropriate medical assistance for symptoms. The affected water must not be consumed until treated and deemed fit for consumption. Once reports are acquired, the water is treated with appropriate solutions. If not treatable as per the reports, the water must be discarded with proper measures and the source of contamination is identified.
What types of infection can Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test detect?
A Culture and sensitivity RO water test can help to determine bacterial water infections from microorganisms like streptococci and enterococci. They usually are present in the faeces of humans and animals that get mixed with the source of drinking water. Industries and manufacturing units utilise chemicals and therefore water may get contaminated with these chemicals. Many viral infections can also be detected with this test.
How much does Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test cost?
A culture and sensitivity RO water test cost depends on the number of pathogens to be tested and the source of the water sample.
Approximate costs are as follows:
Sr. No | City/state | Approximate cost in Rupees |
1. | Book a Culture and sensitivity- RO water test in Mumbai | 2000/- |
2. | Book a Culture and sensitivity- RO water test in Pune | 1999/- |
3. | Book a Culture and sensitivity- RO water test in Bangalore | 1999/- |
4. | Book a Culture and sensitivity- RO water test in Delhi | 1500/- |
5. | Book a Culture and sensitivity- RO water test in Kolkata | 1500/- |
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test?
You can expect to get the results for Culture And Sensitivity – RO Water test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.
What do abnormal Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test results indicate?
An abnormal culture and sensitivity RO water test indicates the presence of a microorganism in the water sample and contaminated water which may or may not be fit for consumption or use in other processes depending on the results of the sensitivity test. An abnormal sensitivity test also means that the water is highly contaminated and may prove fatal if further consumed. The usage of such water may affect the health of a community and cause serious illnesses.
Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.
Is Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test a definitive test?
Yes. The methods used in a culture and sensitivity RO water test are highly researched and scientific methods and therefore provide accurate results for the quality of water.
How to read the Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test report?
The culture and sensitivity RO water test report may show one of the following outcomes or results:
Sr. No | Test result | Interpretation |
1. | Susceptible | Water sample has bacterial growth but can be fully treated and purified |
2. | Resistant | The water sample has bacterial growth and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Unfit for consumption. |
3. | Intermediate | Water samples are between susceptible and resistant categories. Some microorganisms are responsive whereas others are resistant to antimicrobials. |
The Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for most bacteria in drinking water is zero total coli form colonies per 100 millilitres of water as established by the EP .
Why book Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test?
A culture and sensitivity RO water test is essential in the following scenarios:
- Regular checks in industries- Many Industries use water as a primary element in the manufacturing of many substances along with chemicals. Therefore it is mandatory for such industries to keep a record of water quality testing and appropriate measures taken to maintain the quality of water.
- For important procedures in hospitals- Most surgical procedures require sterile and/or distilled water. Regular water quality testing helps maintain adequate safety for patients. In some cases, the cause of illness or symptoms may be found out with water culture and sensitivity testing if anticipated to be the cause of illness.
- Agriculture- Good quality production of fruits and vegetables requires a healthy supply of good quality water. Chemicals, fertiliser and pesticides used may affect the water quality and may also prove fatal when used widely.
- Pharmaceutical industries- Manufacturing and processing of medicine and solutions are heavily dependent on water. Medicines sustain the diseased and, therefore, the quality of medicines is of utmost importance. A culture and sensitivity water test help eliminate possible sources of contamination in these industries.
- Food processing plants- Cooking and food processing utilise water abundantly. Water should be checked for the presence of disease-causing microorganisms regularly.
- Household checks- Drinking water supply in small households and residential areas must be subjected to regular quality checks to ensure a safe and healthy neighbourhood.
- To determine or rule out essential from non-essential microbes in water- Water contains certain healthy and/or essential microorganisms. A water sample may be tested to rule out the cause of illness and also differentiate essential from non-essential microorganisms.
- To assess the cause of illness- A medical professional may recommend a culture and sensitivity RO water test to find the exact cause of an illness or symptoms.
- To form a treatment protocol- When a microorganism is determined with the help of a water quality test, it helps a doctor form a treatment protocol and administer appropriate medicine to the patient.
Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test at home – how does it work?
A lab technician visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. A water sample is collected in a vial or container with proper measures and precautions to prevent outbreak or contamination with other objects in the surrounding. The sample is transported to the selected laboratory for testing and analysis.
Are there any risks involved with Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test?
Risks involved with a Culture and sensitivity RO water test involve contamination of samples with objects or airborne contaminants that may affect the results of the test. But this is minimised with appropriate precautionary measures. Another important risk factor is the time required for bacterial culture which in some cases may take a few weeks before further action may be taken. Test results in very rare cases may be false positive or false negative due to subjective variances in interpretation.
What can affect the results for Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water?
When water is tested in the initial mild stages of contamination, the results may be negative or may show no changes on a sensitivity test. The use or choice of a medium or growth substance may also affect the results and in a few cases, the method chosen may not provide accurate results. Subjective variations in interpreting the presence of a target bacteria or microorganism may affect test results. In an individual case, this may cause difficulty in treatment for a physician. Identification of the exact source of contamination and treatment is highly dependent on the culture and sensitivity test report.
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Frequently asked questions | FAQs
Is the lab technician coming for Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our lab technicians are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask, gloves, and frequently sanitising themselves during the sample collection.
Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.
How can I download my Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click on Attachment and Reports
- Click on Lab Report
- Download the report
Are there any discount offers running on Culture And Sensitivity - RO Water test?
Usually, you can avail up to a 50% discount on Culture And Sensitivity – RO Water through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.
Should I get my house water checked?
If anyone is experiencing symptoms related to indigestion, vomiting, fever, one can get their water tested but it can be also done as a precautionary measure for an individual or a group of households. It is of particular importance where there is a common source of water or tap with little or no hygiene.
Is tap water fit for consumption?
Common taps used in low-income households have multiple causes of low water quality levels and, therefore, must get their water checked frequently. But in the case of individual household taps, water has fewer sources of contaminants and is more fit for consumption but this has to be done after checking.
How do contaminants get into my drinking water?
Contaminants can be in the form of chemicals, fertiliser, pesticides, faeces, animal and agriculture waste, hospital waste, etc. These can get mixed with the source of water to your house or workplace and cause water-related infections.
How many times should one test their water quality?
It is recommended to check the water quality levels at least once a year and more frequently if there has been a recent outbreak of gastrointestinal illnesses or other symptoms in the household or community. Potential sources of contaminants should be identified.
Is well water fit for consumption?
Under appropriate hygiene and maintenance practices, well water is fit for consumption but it has been recommended by health authorities to regularly check the water quality level due to the risk of exposure to animal or bird waste and faeces.
What do I do after an abnormal report for a culture and sensitivity RO water test?
When test results for a culture and sensitivity RO water test is abnormal or shows contamination with some microorganism, one should check with their local health care provider as well as the water department for further assessment and treatment of water. Water should not be consumed until certified as fit.
Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.