Microbiologic Diagnosis of Infection

Question 1

Hallmarks of infection

Answer 1

Fever
Pain
Swelling/exudate
Redness
Weight loss
Nausea/vomiting

Question 2

2 types of tests that are collected by

1. Physician/HCW
2. Patient

Answer 2

1. Swabs, GBS screening

2. Urine, stool

Question 3

Routine swabs test for

Answer 3

Routine bacterial cultures
Vagina
Wounds
Throats
Yeast

Question 4

Steps in a Gram Stain

Answer 4

Fixation
Crystal Violet
Iodine treatment
Decolorization
Counter stain (safranin)

Question 5

Sensitivity

Answer 5

Proportion with a disease that are correctly identified by the test

Question 6

Specificity

Answer 6

Proportion without the disease that are correctly identified

Question 7

4 phases in a basic immunological rxn

Answer 7

1. Lag (window) phase - no antibody detected
2. Log phase - Ab titer increases
3. Plateau phase - amount stabilizes
4. Decline phase - Ab is catabolized or cleared

Question 8

Syndromic testing

Answer 8

The simultaneous detection and identification of multiple pathogens associated with clinical syndromes

Question 9

Benefits of syndromic testing

Answer 9

Reduced turnaround time
Simplified sample collections
Lower cost compared to individual single plex testing

Question 10

Challenges of syndromic testing

Answer 10

Overall higher cost to the lab when performed at low volumes

Not all pathogens are included in the panels