Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacterial Load Test
Short Name: Pseudomonas Load Test
Also known as: Pseudomonas PCR, Pseudomonas bacterial load by RT-PCR
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacterial Load Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹6,800. Uses Real-Time RT-PCR on Sputum or throat swab (for cystic fibrosis patients), water samples samples. Results in Reports are delivered on the 4th working day. Email reports are sent within 48 hours of result availability, and phone consultation is available within 36 hours.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal
Consultant Microbiologist · Reg: 27670
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The primary purpose of the Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacterial Load Test is to detect the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and quantify its load in clinical specimens. This aids in: - Confirming active infection in symptomatic patients - Monitoring response to antibiotic therapy - Assessing disease progression in chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis - Guiding infection control measures in healthcare settings - Evaluating the effectiveness of decolonization protocols
- Test Code
- 6228
- CPT Code
- 87471
- ICD Code
- B96.5
- Price
- ₹6,800
- Sample Type
- Sputum or throat swab (for cystic fibrosis patients), water samples
- Result Time
- Reports are delivered on the 4th working day. Email reports are sent within 48 hours of result availability, and phone consultation is available within 36 hours.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Real-Time RT-PCR
Sample Collection
No special preparation is required. However, patients should inform their doctor about any recent antibiotic use. For sputum collection, patients may be advised to rinse their mouth with water before expectoration.
Method: Expectoration or healthcare professional swab
Laboratory Analysis
For sputum, the patient is asked to cough deeply to produce sputum from the lungs. For throat swab, a sterile swab is gently rubbed over the back of the throat. The procedure is quick and minimally uncomfortable.
Report Delivery
No specific aftercare is needed. Patients can resume normal activities immediately. The sample is sent to the laboratory for processing.
Timeline: Reports are delivered on the 4th working day. Email reports are sent within 48 hours of result availability, and phone consultation is available within 36 hours.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The primary purpose of the Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacterial Load Test is to detect the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and quantify its load in clinical specimens. This aids in: - Confirming active infection in symptomatic patients - Monitoring response to antibiotic therapy - Assessing disease progression in chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis - Guiding infection control measures in healthcare settings - Evaluating the effectiveness of decolonization protocols
How to Prepare
- Collect sputum in a sterile container, avoiding saliva
- For throat swab, use the provided sterile swab and transport medium
- Label the sample with patient name, date, and time of collection
- Transport the sample to the laboratory as soon as possible
- If home collection is opted, the phlebotomist will provide instructions
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Kothari Ramesh Shantilal — MBBS, MD (Microbiology) · Reg. No. 27670
"Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Early detection and quantification of bacterial load are crucial for guiding antimicrobial therapy and monitoring treatment response. This RT-PCR test offers high sensitivity and specificity, enabling timely clinical decisions."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Sample received in inappropriate container
- Sample leaking or not properly labeled
- Insufficient sample volume
- Sample delayed beyond stability period
- Sample showing contamination or excessive saliva
Understanding Your Results
No Pseudomonas aeruginosa detected
Active infection unlikely; consider other pathogens if symptoms persist.
Presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with low load
May indicate colonization or early infection; correlate clinically.
Significant bacterial load
Suggests active infection; initiate or adjust antimicrobial therapy.
Reduction in bacterial load
Indicates response to treatment; continue therapy as directed.
Rise in bacterial load
May indicate treatment failure or resistance; reassess antibiotic regimen.
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as persistent fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or worsening cough, especially if you have a weakened immune system or chronic lung disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.
Limitations
- ⚠Test detects DNA/RNA, not viable organisms; may remain positive after successful treatment
- ⚠Quantification is relative to standard curve; results may vary between laboratories
- ⚠Not a substitute for culture and sensitivity testing for antibiotic selection
- ⚠May not detect all strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa due to genetic variability
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minimal risk of discomfort during sputum collection or throat swab
- ●No significant side effects associated with the test
- ●Rare possibility of false positive/negative results, which may require confirmatory testing
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent use of antibiotics may reduce bacterial load, leading to false negatives
- ●Improper sample collection or handling may affect test accuracy
- ●Contamination of sample with normal flora may cause false positives
- ●Inadequate sample volume may yield inconclusive results
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacterial Load Test | Culture and Sensitivity | Gram Stain | Antigen Detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Bacterial Load Test | Culture is the gold standard for identifying Pseudomonas aeruginosa and determining antibiotic susceptibility. However, it takes 48-72 hours for results. The RT-PCR test is faster and can quantify bacterial load, but does not provide antibiotic susceptibility data. | Gram stain is a rapid, inexpensive method to detect Gram-negative bacilli, but it cannot differentiate Pseudomonas from other Gram-negative bacteria. RT-PCR is specific for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. | Antigen tests are less sensitive than PCR and may cross-react with other organisms. RT-PCR offers higher sensitivity and specificity. |
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