Lecture 7

Question 1

Blood Cultures:

Answer 1

Bactec and BacT/ALERT

Question 2

Automatic Gram Stain

Answer 2

Previ Color-Gram
AGS
Colorspray

Question 3

Identification & Susceptibility (MIC)Testing

Answer 3

VITEK - It is based on the principle of using mass spectrometry.
It is known as MALDI-TOF MS
MALDI:Matrix-Assisted-Laser-Desorption-ionization
Original system designed with Nasa for space

Question 4

Benefits of Automatic Gram Staining

Answer 4

Increases number of slides that can be stained at one time
Less reagent used; reduced waste
Bath type stainer: slides dipped into a bath
Potential contamination?
Staff exposed to toxic chemicals?
Spray stainer
Stains “sprayed” onto slide in a closed system
Reduce potential for contamination

Question 5

Laboratory Information Systems

Answer 5

In hospitals, specimens can arrive already ordered and in your system
Accession number assigned
Just check in (check info on specimen matches request)and process
Some print labels and include bar codes
Use labels to identify plates
Technologist on bench scans the labels and “workcard” appears on the screen
All workup recorded on the computer
Results may be received from ID/MIC system (e.g. VITEK)
Final reports may be printed or sent electronically