Practical Applications: Clinical Specimens
My first research project is to identify an unknown bacteria. I will follow a series of procedures to isolate and identify this bacteria. But how might this process apply to you, aren't I just jumping through the hoops of learning lab technique?
This area of healthcare is not very visible to the public, but there are lab technicians performing similar tasks, with much advanced skill and techniques and with much greater stakes, everyday.
Healthcare professionals routinely collect clinical specimens from patients (e.g. blood, body fluids, tissues or feces). These samples are sent to the medical microbiology laboratory. There are many tests that might be performed, but when the patient is displaying an unknown illness the laboratory produces a report with an identification of the pathogen including results from antibiotic sensitivity testing. This report aids the physician in prescribing the appropriate treatment for the patient.
Upon arrival in the medical microbiology lab, clinical specimens normally will contain many microorganisms, including normal microbial flora as well as the pathogen causing the patients infection. The responsibility of the lab technician is to:
This area of healthcare is not very visible to the public, but there are lab technicians performing similar tasks, with much advanced skill and techniques and with much greater stakes, everyday.
Healthcare professionals routinely collect clinical specimens from patients (e.g. blood, body fluids, tissues or feces). These samples are sent to the medical microbiology laboratory. There are many tests that might be performed, but when the patient is displaying an unknown illness the laboratory produces a report with an identification of the pathogen including results from antibiotic sensitivity testing. This report aids the physician in prescribing the appropriate treatment for the patient.
Upon arrival in the medical microbiology lab, clinical specimens normally will contain many microorganisms, including normal microbial flora as well as the pathogen causing the patients infection. The responsibility of the lab technician is to:
- Isolate the pathogen
- Identify the pathogen
- Determine which antibiotics (if applicable) with effectively kill the pathogen
- Report the findings to the physician
This is why aseptic technique is so important. A contaminated sample could result in an incorrect diagnosis that could result in unnecessary suffering and extended illness for the patient, or at worse death and possible infection of others.
Though safety training and other forms of initiatory procedures can feel demanding or even boring there is, hopefully, a rational behind it. Knowing such information has helped me to stay vigilant with my own technique no matter how routine the task. I aim to develop a mindset such that whether it is a mundane task or someone's life is on the line, my technique will be equally likely to avoid contamination.
Though safety training and other forms of initiatory procedures can feel demanding or even boring there is, hopefully, a rational behind it. Knowing such information has helped me to stay vigilant with my own technique no matter how routine the task. I aim to develop a mindset such that whether it is a mundane task or someone's life is on the line, my technique will be equally likely to avoid contamination.
In the last post I showed you some techniques for isolating a bacteria. Next I will be working though a series of tests to identify it.
References:
Biosciences Department. (2017). Laboratory Manual. Phoenix, AZ: Phoenix College.
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