Question

Describe the collection and dispatch of specimens for routine microbiological laboratory

Answer 1

Demonstration of pathogenic organisms in the patient specimen is the most definitive test in microbiology. However, failure to demonstrate pathogens in a single specimen is NOT definitiveand may only indicate that:1.The pathogen was absent or scant in that particular specimen;2.The sample was taken ata stage of the disease when the pathogen was rare;3.Viability waslost between thetimes of collection and arrival in the laboratory;4.The pathogen cannot be detected by this method of testing.Specimens forculture MUST be collected properly prior to the initiation of antibiotic therapy to insure optimalconditions for the recovery of pathogens.The laboratorywill identify isolates and perform antibiotic susceptibility testing where appropriate.Anaerobic andblood culturesare not available through the Public Health Lab.