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Chapter 42 Basic Microbiology

Terms in this set (43)

Medical Assistants role in microbiology laboratory
1. Obtain specimens
2. Test CLIA-waived specimens
3.Prepare slides for PPMP
4.Prepare cultures for transport to outside lab
What is microbiology?
Field of study of all pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. (living things that can only be seen with a microscope)
Body secretions we collect specimens for?
throat, sputum, vaginal, penial, urine, blood, wounds and stool
Most POL's have what equipment for microbiology?
RACI-I-MASI

1. Refrigerator
2. Autoclave
3. Culture Media
4. Inoculating equipment
5. Incubator
6. Microscope
7. Anaerobic Equipment
8. Safety Hood
9. Incinerator
Explain Autoclave equipment
1. Used to sterilize equipment
2. 15 PSI (Pounds per square inch) and a temp of 121 degrees for 15-20 mins to kill infectious agents
3. Many labs now use disposable instruments but may use this to sterilize before disposal.
What is a microscope used for?
To view organisms that can not be seen with the naked eye. Skill is needed to gain information from studying slide.
What care needs to be taken with the microscope?
It is delicate and should be cared for as stated by the manufacturer and you must know proper cleaning protocols.
What is Aerosols?
Airborne particles that can be released into air when doing cultures. They are potentially dangerous if inhaled. TB is an example of a disease caused by aerosol from person to person.
What are Safety hoods and why are they used?
Separates the worker from the specimen by a glass in front of the face with fumes and aerosols suctioned into the hood. Mandatory when performing on specimens with potential aerosols. Used to prevent spread of diseases, minimize odors.
Virology
Study of viruses
Botany
Study of plants
Bacteriology
Zoology
Study of bacteria
Study of Animals
Immunology
Parasitology
Study of resistance/immunity
Study of parasites
Mycology
Study of fungus
DNA stands for what?
Deoxyribonucleic acid
What is DNA?
A nuclear material that contains specific genetic information.
What is an incubator?
Container that contains a constant temp of 35-37 degrees to grow BOTH aerobic or anaerobic organisms since temps must be met for adequate growth
Aerobic and anaerobic
Aerobic grows well in oxygen
Anaerobic will not grow well, or even at all in oxygen
Campylobator
Food poisoning in humans
Cause for many spontaneous abortion in animals.
Anaerobic Equipment
Some cultures such as deep wound cultures or gonorrhea need no oxygen and high carbon dioxide.

2 methods are the candle jar or the gas pack

some culture tubes already have this in its packaging
inoculate
to place colonies of microorganisms onto nutrient media for culture testing
Candle jar method
used for anaerobic cultures

Place an inoculated petri dish in with a burning candle and airtight lid. The burning candle will burn up all available oxygen and generate CO2

Easy to transport and maximizes the recovery rate
Gas pack method
jar containing a foil pack when activated it gives off CO2, decreasing oxygen

not usually done in small labs, usually in reference labs
Inoculating Loop
Inoculating Needle
Loop: piece of wire with rounded end and handle at the other end used to inoculate organisms such as liquid, or placing on a media plate.

Needle: similar to loop but a straight end used when performing stab culture or a solid bacteria

both must be sterile or a plastic one time use one used.
What is the quickest method to sterilize the inculcating loop or needle?
Incinerator
What types of incinerators are there?
electrical incinerator or Bunsen burner
Used before and after the use of inculcating loop or needle. Place the loop or needle in the incinerator or through the flame of the Bunsen burner.
In the laboratory what does the term media refer to?
a host of substances used to foster the growth of bacteria
Why do we need a refrigerator in the POL?
Store certain material such as media, and testing kits that need a temp of 2 to 8 degree Celsius
We never store food or drinks with any specimens, kits or media.
Why are microbiology specimens especially dangerous?
Potential pathogens that can pose danger to all clinical and laboratory personnel
What should never be done in the lab?
Eating, smoking, drinking, putting objects into mouth, touching eyes, noses or mouths.
What PPE should be worn at all times when processing microbiology specimens?
Buttoned lab coat or apron, safety googles, and gloves.
Also you will want to work behind a shield to avoid splashes of blood or body fluids and use a safety fume hood
How should we keep our work area where specimens are processed and cultivated?
The counters should be cleaned with a strong germicide before and after daily use and immediately after a spill.

It should be kept dust free, organized and clean at all times.
Keep body and paperwork away from incinerators
What 5 things need to be done when handling specimens?
1. Look for leaks or contamination on outside of containers
2. wear gloves
3. use appropriate container to avoid contamination
4. all specimens should be handled as if they were contaminated, follow Standard Precautions
5. Use safety hood with aersol specimens
Normal Flora
Natural bacteria. 80% of all bacteria are harmless and necessary for our bodily immune system, digestion, homeostatis (balance)
Nomenclature
two part system used for naming bacteria using two Greek or latin names
Genus, first part and is capitalized
Species, second not capitalized
What do the names of bacteria reflect?
The characteristics , or names of places or persons associated with discovery of it
2 examples of names of bacteria and how they got their name
Salmonella typhi: discovered by Salmon, caused typhoid fever
Lord Joseph Lister found listeria and Listerine was named after him for his work with antiseptics
Bacterial cell is a single celled organism with what 3 parts?
1. Jelly like cytoplasmic cell membrane
2. cell wall
3. nucleus
What allows SOME bacteria to have mobility?
Flagella: Again not all bacteria are mobile
Mitosis
Cell grows by taking in material from its environment then divides into 2 identical parts each with its own nucleus.
Nosocomial
Infection acquired or caused by hospital or medical procedures
How long should a culture grow before examining?
12 hrs
Culture and Sensitivity (C&S)
Determines the most effective antibiotic to prescribe. It is reported as: "sensitive to" penicillin as an example, meaning penicillin is the most effective. also as "resistant to" one that is not effective or "intermediate" for barely responds.
Not always ordered but will if pt is not responding to treatment
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