Book Doctor Appointment
Choose the mode of consultation
What is a Gram Stain Test?
Gram stain or Gram stain test is the most commonly used test to find out whether you have a bacterial infection or not. The Gram stain is a differential staining technique most widely available in all pathological laboratories. It is one of the basic tests in identification schemes for bacterial isolates. This technique is also used for identifying certain fungi such as Candida and Cryptococcus.
The Gram stain is a preliminary step in the initial characterization and classification of bacteria based on staining characteristics, enabling the bacteria to be examined using a light microscope.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Gram Stain Test used for?
Gram stain test is mainly used to find out if you have some bacterial infection. From this test, you will know whether your bacterial infection is gram positive or gram negative and give preliminary information about the bacteria. Your doctor can confirm if bacteria is responsible for your symptoms and treat you accordingly from these details. Still confused, get a free second opinion
Understanding the test results of Gram Stain Test
When your Gram stain results are negative, which means that no traces of bacteria were found in your given samples. When the gram stain results are positive, that means bacteria were present in the sample. The result also specifies the details on the bacteria infected, the shape, size and quantity of bacteria present in the sample
Why do I need a Gram Stain Test?
You may need to do a gram stain test, if you have the symptoms of bacterial infections or as directed by your physician. By this test you will be able to detect the presence of any bacteria or fungi in the sample taken from the site of the infection.
What happens during the Gram Stain Test?
The health care provider will collect the samples for the gram stains from the site of the suspected infection.
- Some samples may be collected using sterile swabs to obtain cells or exudate from the site of infection. Eg: wound sample, throat culture or from the thick mucus coughed up from the lungs.
- Other samples such as urine or sputum may be collected in a sterile container.
- Body fluids will be collected using a needle and syringe.
The sample will be then sent to the pathology lab for testing.
How do you perform a Gram stain test?
The Gram stain involves applying a sample collected from the infected area onto a glass slide and allowing it to dry. During the test the slide is treated with the specific stain and examined under a microscope by a trained technician . Any bacteria that may be present are categorised by colour and shape during the microscopic evaluation and will give you the results. The test is generally safe and no side effects are observed during the test.
What is Gram staining and why is it important?
Gram staining is a most used differential staining technique used in microbiological labs to test and differentiate the bacteria into gram positive bacteria and gram negative bacteria.
By this test your physician confirms the diagnosis and helps him to get closer to find out what is causing your illness and determine which antibiotic will be most effective in treating your infection.
What test determines Gram positive or negative?
Gram stain colour test gives the clue as to what bacteria might be causing the infection in you. In this method the sample is treated with the gram stain and observed under the microscope. When bacteria coloured purple the result is, you are likely to have gram positive infection. When bacteria coloured pink or red, it means you are likely to have gram negative infection.
What Colour is Gram positive?
Gram positive bacteria appear purple or blue after gram staining.
Which antibiotics treat gram negative bacteria?
Gram negative bacteria are resistant to most available antibiotics. Some of the antibiotics which may treat gram negative bacteria are:
- Ureidopenicillins (piperacillin)
- Third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins (cefotaxime, ceftazidime)
- Carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem)
- Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin)
Always take the advice of your consulting physician to choose the best treatment for you.
What infections are caused by Gram positive bacteria?
The common gram positive infections are
- skin infections like cellulitis
- abscess
- bacterial pneumonia
- food poisoning
- surgical site infections
- urinary tract infections
- prostatitis, epididymitis
- sore throat, sinus infections
- pink eye
- pharyngitis
- pneumonia in newborn
- Anthrax
- listeriosis
- diphtheria
- respiratory infections
Get a free second opinion from our experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.
Why Choose Yashoda Hospitals
Yashoda Hospitals is committed to providing world-class treatment for patients from across the globe. With the unique combination of state-of-the-art technology, intuitive care, and clinical excellence, we are the healthcare destination for thousands of international patients in India.
On the journey to good health, we understand that it is important for you to feel at home. We plan out all aspects of your trip.
Experienced specialists perform non-invasive and minimally invasive surgeries to provide the best treatment for international patients.
Our hospitals are equipped with advanced technology to perform a wide range of procedures and treatments.
We deliver excellence by delivering quick and efficient healthcare and through pioneering research that helps all our future.patients.
