What is sensitivity testing primarily used for?

Sensitivity testing is primarily used to assess the effectiveness of medications, particularly in the context of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. This process evaluates how effective specific drugs are against particular pathogens. By exposing bacteria or other microorganisms to various antibiotics, labs can determine which medication is most effective in inhibiting or killing the pathogens isolated from a patient. This is crucial in guiding clinicians to choose the most appropriate therapy, improving treatment outcomes, and minimizing the risk of antibiotic resistance by avoiding ineffective treatments.

The other options describe different assessments or testing types that do not pertain to sensitivity testing. For instance, hydration levels are evaluated through different parameters, such as specific gravity or osmolality tests, while urinary concentration relates to the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine and is assessed through methods like urine tests or specific gravity readings. Identifying blood in urine involves testing for the presence of hemoglobin or red blood cells but does not relate to the effectiveness of medications.