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laboratory test descriptions for microbiology/immunology

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Bacteriology--Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are biochemically identified to the species level using manual and automated methodologies.

Mycobacteriology--Mycobacteria are identified to species level. DNA probes are used to identify the common species such as M. tuberculosis and M. avium complex. All mycobacteria testing is performed in our negative pressure suite in a BSL-3 Biological Safety Hood. Stains of direct specimens are available within 24 hours after collection. Cultures are held for 60 days before a Negative report is issued.

Mycology--Yeasts and fungi are isolated on selective media. Fungus cultures are held 30 days before a Negative report is issued. However, yeast and fungi are often isolated from routine cultures.

Parasitology--Stool specimens submitted appropriately in stool collection kits are processed and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. An O&P (Ova and Parasites) exam will not detect Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, or Microsporidia; separate orders must be placed. In inpatients hospitalized for >3 days consider other etiology for diarrhea such as Clostridium difficile toxin.

DNA Amplification--The laboratory utilizes testing methods detecting the presence of DNA for the following organisms: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2, Streptococcus Group B, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Human Papilloma Virus.

Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing--Performed on clinically significant bacterial isolates when indicated using automated and manual methods. 

Clinical Virology--Culture for viruses by cell culture inoculation and observation for CPE (cytopathic effect). Viral identification is confirmed by immunofluorescent methods. Cultures are typically held for 14 days unless Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is suspected (21 days).

Flow Cytometry--The Flow Cytometry laboratory is staffed 7 days per week from 8:30am-5:00pm. Testing is provided in the following areas: immunophenotyping for the diagnosis of leukemia and lymphoma, CD3,4,8 panels for the monitoring of HIV, and lymphocyte enumeration.

Autoimmune Serology--Testing is performed in this section of the laboratory M-F; 7:30am-5:00pm. The laboratory provides serologic screening and identification of antibodies associated with autoimmune diseases.

Infectious Disease Serology--The laboratory provides serologic tests for the evaluation of infectious diseases and/or immune status. RPR testing is performed 7 days per week on Dayshift. Other testing is provided M-F.

Updated March 3, 2008