Eye Swab Culture & Sensitivity Test in Kathmandu

About this test

When an eye becomes red, sticky and painful, this test identifies exactly which germ is responsible and which antibiotics will clear it. A trained collector gently rolls a sterile swab along the inner eyelid and over the discharge — for a suspected corneal ulcer the ophthalmologist may instead take a small scraping — and the laboratory then attempts to grow any bacteria or fungi present. Once an organism appears, it is identified and tested against a panel of antibiotics so your doctor receives a clear list of which drops or ointments will work and which the bug resists. Doctors order it for conjunctivitis that is not settling on its own, for the thick yellow-green discharge of bacterial infection, for newborns with sticky weeping eyes (ophthalmia neonatorum), for contact-lens wearers who develop a painful red eye, and most urgently for a corneal ulcer, where the wrong treatment can threaten sight. Common culprits include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas and Haemophilus, while fungal keratitis is an important consideration after an eye injury with plant or soil matter — a real risk for farmers and field workers across Nepal. Results are read alongside your symptoms, how long the eye has been affected, contact-lens history and any Gram stain done at collection. Because growing and testing live organisms takes time, the final sensitivity report follows a couple of days later, allowing the initial broad-spectrum drops to be switched to a precisely targeted, more effective treatment.

Sample type

Eye swab (conjunctival or corneal)

Preparation

No fasting required. Come before you start any antibiotic eye drops if possible, or tell us what drops you are already using — recent medication can suppress bacterial growth. Do not wear contact lenses or apply make-up to the eye on the day of collection, and avoid washing the eye for a few hours beforehand.

Turnaround time

Reports for Eye Swab Culture & Sensitivity are typically ready within: 3rd Working Day. Reports can be collected at the clinic during opening hours or shared via WhatsApp once they are ready.

Also known as

Other microbiology tests we run

These are routinely ordered alongside Eye Swab Culture & Sensitivity or as part of the same diagnostic workup.

How to book

WhatsApp is the fastest way — message us with the test name and your preferred time, and we'll confirm a slot the same day. You can also walk into the clinic at Rumba Chowk, Sanobharang any day between 7AM and 8PM, or fill in our online booking form.