Introduction

The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory is a full-service laboratory offering diagnostic bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology, and mycobacteriology. The laboratory receives specimens from in-patients at the University of Illinois Hospital and the Universitys out-patient clinics, as well as from several outreach sites throughout Illinois and the United States. The Microbiology Laboratory is composed of several sections including Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, Mycobacteriology.

Aerobic bacteriology

Isolates and identifies clinically significant microorganisms from clinical specimens and performs antimicrobial susceptibility testing on these bacterial pathogens. These functions are performed with the Vitek-2 automated instrument; Additional reference identification and susceptibility testing methods for other, more fastidious bacterial agents are also available, Performs blood cultures using the BactiAlert system, which provides continuous monitoring of blood cultures for the entire 7-day incubation period.

Performed amplified probe tests for detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeaeand Chlamydia trachomatis in urogenital specimens. Performes "real-time" PCR on nares swab specimens and other specimen types are available for rapid detection/identification of methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Performs isolation and characterization of clinically significant anaerobic bacteria. For these purposes, the laboratory is equipped with a glove box, a gas-liguid chromatograph, and other methods to provide accurate identification of anaerobes.

Mycology

Performs identification and anti-fungal susceptibility testing on clinically significant yeast isolates, Provides identification of pathogenic moulds recovered from clinical specimens, including dermatophytes, moulds causing wound and systemic infections, and systemic mycotic agents such as Histoplamsa capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatiditis.

Parasitology

It Provides services for the diagnosis of various parasitic infections, Has a great deal of expertise and provides diagnostic parasitology services to several other local hospitals and clinics, Specimens submitted for parasitology include stool specimens for the detection of pathogenic amoebae, and flagellates, and for detection/identification of the ova belonging to various nematode (roundworms), cestode (tapeworms), and trematode (flukes) species. Blood specimens are also submitted for the diagnosis and species identification of malarial parasites.

Pre-analytical errors

Pre-analytical parameters are an important component of microbiology testing. High-quality results from the clinical microbiology laboratory are directly related to specimen quality. Pre-analytical steps in clinical microbiology testing include selection and proper ordering of the appropriate test method (appropriate test usage), selection and collection of high-quality specimens that are representative of the disease process, and timely transport of the specimen to the laboratory. Problems with these pre-analytical steps in the testing process can result in laboratory errors. Preanalytical errors include those related to specimen selection, specimen collection and transport, and storage, as well as test ordering. Often, errors that occur downstream in the testing process can be traced back to inappropriate test selection or problems with specimens.

Many of the errors that occur in clinical microbiology are related to specimen quality. Selection, collection, and transport of good-quality and appropriate specimens are critical components of obtaining accurate, meaningful results in clinical microbiology. Selection of an appropriate specimen is critical to ensure isolation and identification of the pathogenic agent. The following sections discuss general categories in which errors in specimen selection, collection, transport, and storage occur that can give misleading or erroneous microbiology results.

The journal of “Medical Microbiology & Diagnosis” is a peer reviewed medical journal that includes a wide range of topics in this fields including Bacteriology, Clinical and Medical Diagnostics, Parasitology, Bacterial Infections and creates a platform for the authors to make their contribution towards the journal. The editorial office promises a thorough peer review of the submitted manuscripts to ensure quality.

Best Regards,

Mary Wilson,

Associate Managing Editor,

Medical Microbiology & Diagnosis

E-mail: microbiology@jpeerreview.com