Pus Culture & Sensitivity Test London
A pus culture and sensitivity test is used to identify the bacteria or fungi causing an infection and to help determine which antibiotics may be effective.
At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, we offer private pus testing and wound infection testing from our Central London clinic near Baker Street. This service may be suitable for patients with infected wounds, post-surgical discharge, abscesses, skin infections, or infections that are not improving with treatment.
Pus testing is commonly referred to as:
- Pus culture
- Wound culture
- Swab for bacterial culture
- Culture and sensitivity test
- Bacterial culture and antibiotic sensitivity
The aim is to identify the organism causing the infection and provide antibiotic sensitivity information where appropriate.
What Is a Pus Culture and Sensitivity Test?
A pus culture and sensitivity test examines pus, wound discharge, or a swab from an infected area.
The laboratory attempts to grow and identify bacteria or fungi present in the sample. If significant bacteria are found, antibiotic sensitivity testing may be performed to show which antibiotics the organism is sensitive or resistant to.
This can help clinicians choose more appropriate treatment.
When Might You Need Pus Testing?
You may need pus culture testing if you have:
- Pus or discharge from a wound
- A post-surgical wound infection
- An abscess
- Redness, swelling, warmth, or tenderness
- A wound not healing properly
- Recurrent skin infections
- Infection not responding to antibiotics
- Suspected bacterial wound infection
- Diabetic foot wound concerns
If you have fever, spreading redness, severe pain, or feel very unwell, you should seek urgent medical attention.
What Can the Test Detect?
A pus culture may help identify organisms such as:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus species
- Pseudomonas species
- Enterobacteriaceae
- Bacteria where clinically relevant
- Fungal organisms where indicated
The final report may include:
- Organism identified
- Culture result
- Gram stain findings where performed
- Antibiotic sensitivity profile
- Resistance pattern
- Clinical comments where appropriate
Post-Surgical Pus Culture
Pus or discharge after surgery may indicate possible wound infection.
A post-surgical pus culture can help identify whether bacteria are present and whether antibiotic sensitivity testing is required.
This is particularly useful when:
- Discharge appears yellow, green, thick, or offensive
- The wound is becoming more painful
- Redness is spreading
- Swelling is increasing
- Antibiotics have not worked as expected
How Is the Sample Taken?
The sample may be collected using:
- A sterile wound swab
- Pus collected from the infected area
- Aspirated pus where clinically appropriate
Where possible, deeper pus or discharge from the infected area is often more useful than a superficial surface swab.
Our clinical team will advise on the most appropriate collection method.
How Long Do Results Take?
Turnaround time depends on the type of culture and whether sensitivity testing is required. 5 working days for most Pus cultures while urine cultures around 3 days.
Routine bacterial culture may take several days because organisms need time to grow in the laboratory.
Pus Culture vs Urine Culture
Pus culture and urine culture are both microbiology tests, but they examine different sample types.
A urine culture is used to investigate urinary tract infection.
A pus culture is used to investigate wound infection, abscesses, skin infection, or post-surgical discharge. Most of the samples we receive are from nearby private clinics and hospitals.
MDC also offers urine culture testing as part of our microbiology services.
Why Choose Marylebone Diagnostic Centre?
Patients choose MDC because we provide:
- Private microbiology testing
- Central London location
- 5-minute walk from Baker Street Station
- Professional sample collection
- Clinician-led diagnostic services
- Wound and infection testing
- Urine culture and microbiology services
- Clear results reporting
- Discreet and confidential appointments
Marylebone Diagnostic Centre is located at:
73 Baker Street
London W1U 6RD
Tel: +44 7495 970109
Opening hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00–16:00
Frequently Asked Questions
Book a Pus Culture Test in London
If you have pus, wound discharge, or concerns about a possible wound infection, Marylebone Diagnostic Centre can help arrange private pus culture and sensitivity testing in Central London.
Book online or contact our team for guidance on the most appropriate test.
Book Pus Culture & sensitivity Test
