Direct Microscopic Examination

DIRECT MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION

Based on direct microscopic examination of clinical specimens

  • Wet mounts and smears may be prepared and stained for microscopic examination. The examination of wet mounts of unstained materials by phase contrast or dark field microscopy is useful for demonstrating motility, spirochaetes and endospores.

Isolation of Bacteria

  • Once the specimen is received in the laboratory, the specimens are examined visually depending on the physicians order and the nature of the specimen .
  • The specimens cultured by streaked plate method on agar plates for colony isolation. All cultures are placed in an incubator with appropriate temperature and environmental conditions to maximize the growth and replication of microbes. Often a presumptive microbial identification can be made.
  • A final report should be delayed while subcultures and additional test procedures are performed to identify the organisms definitively.
Last modified: Tuesday, 23 August 2011, 9:53 AM