sensitivity test

Sensitivity test

A test that determines which antibiotics will kill the bacteria that has been isolated from a culture.

Mentioned in: Sexually Transmitted Diseases Cultures, Skin Culture, Sputum Culture

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sensitivity test,

a laboratory method for testing the effectiveness of antibiotics. It is usually done on organisms known to be potentially resistant to antibiotic therapy in vitro. A report of a "resistant" finding means the antibiotic is not effective in inhibiting the growth of a pathogen, whereas use of an effective antibiotic results in a "sensitive" report. See also antibiotic sensitivity test.

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sensitivity,

n 1. the ability to feel or experience physical stimuli.
2. compassion or thoughtfulness toward a person or situation.

sensitivity, tactile,

n a capacity to sense the transference of vibrations from the parts of the instrument (e.g., handle, shank, and working end) to the fingers of the clinician.

sensitivity test,

n a laboratory method for testing antibiotic effectiveness.

sensitivity, tooth,

n the state of responsiveness of teeth to external influences such as heat, sugar, and trauma. May result from occlusal trauma, especially if the anatomic relation of the apical foramen to the traumatized tissue is such that the circulation of the pulp is disturbed.

sensitivity, tooth, hydrodynamic theory,

n a theory that attributes tooth sensitivity to the expansion and contraction of fluids within the dentinal tubules, thus causing the nerve endings to trigger pain responses in the tooth pulp. See hypersensitivity, dentin.

sensitivity, tooth, neurophysiology theory of,

n a theory that attributes tooth sensitivity to the stimulation of either A-type fibers, which cause short, sharp, localized pains, or C-type fibers, which produce dull, aching pains that may be spread across a wide area.

sensitivity training,

n the use of group dynamics to experiment with and alter behavioral patterns and interpersonal reactions. Also called
T group.