Microbiology Lab Activities

Microbiology labs support large medical facilities and physicians. Activities in these laboratories revolve around identifying bacteria, determining what drugs a given bacteria is sensitive to and facilitating public health and safety measures. Microbes studied include not only bacteria but viruses, fungi and parasites. Another function of microbiology laboratories is the performance of research on these organisms.

Specimen Collection

• To facilitate the diagnosis of infections microbiology laboratories examine several bodily fluids for microbes. Specimen collection can include obtaining specimens from urine, blood, throat swabs and other sources. Quality specimens that are not contaminated with microbes from the atmosphere are necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnostic Testing

• Once a sample has been obtained, a microbiology laboratory must look for microbes or microbial products in the specimen and characterize them. Techniques to discover the identity of a microbe include culture on a variety of selective media. Special staining and microscopy are also used. In some cases antigens or toxins produced by the microbe can be detected.

Antimicrobial Testing

• In order to treat a microbial infection it is important to know what antibiotics can kill the infecting microbe. This is done by testing the ability of various antibacterials or antifungals to stop the growth of the microbe in culture. Microbiology laboratories also help develop and test new antimicrobial drugs.

Support Functions

• Microbiology laboratories support various public health and surveillance programs. These activities include research on microbes commonly used as agents of terror like anthrax or common communicable infections like sexually transmitted diseases. Microbiology laboratories can explore ways to use microbes for alternative energy production, waste recycling and food generation.