In some cases samples for bacterial culture and sensitivity will be collected. These are commonly collected from open wounds in the skin such as ulcers or from the kidney at post mortem.

Culture & Sensitivity: C&S testing is a laboratory run process that identifies what micro-organisms are present at a sample site by culturing them on a specialised growth plate. Once grown, the micro-organisms are subject to antibiotic sensitivity testing to identify the best choice of antibiotic. For the best and most accurate results, swabs can be taken from the kidney post mortem. This will identify bacteria present in the blood and therefore the most likely pathogenic bacteria involved in that disease process.

Microbial Water Analysis: MWA is a test performed on a sample of pond water that identifies and quantifies how much bacteria, fungi or yeast is present within the water column of your pond. This test is particularly useful for cases with high morbidity (lots of fish in the same pond affected) and cases resistant to treatment. High bacterial loads in the water can form an infection pressure which causes reinfection and propagation of disease within the fish population.