MICROBIOLOGY

Microbiology

The subdivision that studies microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Bacteriology

The study of bacteria, a subdivision of microbiology.

Pathogen

An organism that can cause disease.

Culture

The growing of microorganisms in controlled conditions.

Antibiotic Testing

A procedure to determine the sensitivity of bacteria to specific antibiotics.

Specimen Types

Different kinds of samples used for testing, such as blood, urine, and stool.

Culture and Sensitivity Test (C&S)

A test that detects pathogens in specimens like blood and urine.

Chlamydia Test

A test using swabs to detect Chlamydia in genital or ocular specimens.

Clostridium Difficile Toxin Test

A stool test to detect Clostridium difficile, a bacterium that can cause diarrhea.

Enteric Pathogens

Bacteria like Salmonella and Shigella that infect the intestinal tract.

Fungus Testing

Culture and KOH tests to identify fungal infections using specimens like skin and hair.

Gonorrhea (GC) Test

A test that uses genital swabs to detect gonorrhea infection.

Gram Stain (Gm Stain)

A staining technique used to categorize bacteria by their cell wall properties.

Legionella Test

Testing sputum or lung aspirates to identify Legionella bacteria.

Ova & Parasites (O&P)

A test to check stool samples for parasites.

Pneumocystis Jiroveci Pneumonia (PCP)

A pneumonia caused by the fungus Pneumocystis jirovecii, tested using sputum or aspirates.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

A virus that causes respiratory infections, diagnosed through nasal washings.

Tuberculosis/Acid Fast Bacilli (TB/AFB) Test

A test that detects TB bacteria using sputum, urine, or other bodily fluids.

Trichomonas (Trich) Test

A test using genital swabs to detect the Trichomonas parasite.

Specimen Collection Responsibilities

The duties associated with collecting biological specimens for testing.

Clean Catch Urine

A method for collecting urine to avoid contamination.

Mid Stream Urine (MSU)

A clean urine sample collected from the middle of urination.

Catheter Specimen Urine (CSU)

Urine collected from a patient with an indwelling catheter.

Preparation of Requisitions

The process of filling out forms needed for specimen testing.

Specimen Labelling

Marking containers with correct information for identification.

Blood Culture

A laboratory test to detect the presence of bacteria in the blood.

Septicemia/Bacteremia

The presence of bacteria in the blood, potentially life-threatening.

IV Antibiotics

Medications delivered intravenously to treat infections.

Laboratory Communication

The process of sharing information between nursing staff and the laboratory.

Handling Specimen Collection

Methods used to collect and process biological specimens.

Nurse's role in Specimen Collection

Nurses are primarily responsible for collecting urine, stool, sputum, and swabs.

Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing

Testing to determine which antibiotics will effectively kill specific bacteria.

Specimen Integrity

Ensuring that collected specimens remain uncontaminated and viable.

Colored Collection Card Reminders

Visual reminders used to alert staff about required specimens.

Date/Time Entry on Requisitions

Recording the collection date and time on laboratory forms.

Follow-up Blood Cultures

Additional tests to monitor antibiotic efficacy against bacteria.

NOTE on Specimen Labelling

Labels are mandatory for all microbiology specimen containers.

Understanding Laboratory Orders

Interpreting the details and requirements of laboratory requests.

Microbiology Requisition Completion

The process of finalizing forms required for microbiology testing.

Blood Collection Timing

The importance of timing in blood collection for culture to avoid altering results.

Specimen Source Column

The section on the requisition where the specimen type is indicated.

ID Label Application

Placing identification labels on specimen containers.

Diagnosis and History on Requisitions

Recording relevant patient information on laboratory forms.

URINE CULTURES

Tests to identify urinary tract infections through urine analysis.

Notification of Current Antibiotics

Communicating to the lab when patients are on antibiotics that may affect results.

Importance of Notation in Lab Orders

Clarifying orders to ensure proper processing and timing.

Colored Flagging for Specimens

Using flags to indicate specific testing requirements in patient charts.

Final Results for C&S Testing

Final results for culture and sensitivity tests generally take 2-5 days.

Preliminary Results for C&S Testing

Initial results for culture and sensitivity are available in 24 hours.

Communicating Microbiology Results

Sharing test results and implications with other healthcare team members.

Important Notes for Lab Collection

Additional guidelines and reminders crucial for lab specimen collection.