Microbiology, Blood Cultures, MRSA & VRE

Question 1

List and define some common microbiology tests.

Answer 1

1. AFB - tests for presence of tuberculosis and monitors treatment of TB (for purpose of this course we use the Mycobacteriology req only)
2. Blood Culture - tests for presence of bacteria in blood (septicemia)
3. CLO test - tests for presence of Helicobacter pylori in breath.
4. C&S - identifies disease-causing microorganisms and test for effectiveness of antibiotics
5. Fungus culture - tests for presence of fungi and identifies them
6. Gram stain - stain for bacteria which can be given as preliminary results for C&S for early treatment
7. Occult Blood - tests for hidden blood in stool, indicator of gastrointestinal bleeding from carcinoma
8. Ova & Parasites - microscopic examination of stool for parasites
9. Sputum culture - can identify lower respiratory tract infections
10. Stool culture - can identify parasites that cause disease
11. Urine culture - can identify disease-causing organisms in the kidneys and urinary tract

Question 2

What is microbiology?

Answer 2

The study of microorganisms, specifically disease-causing microorganisms.

Question 3

What 4 techniques are used to identify microorganisms?

Answer 3

1. chemical, immunological, and genetic tests
2. examination under a microscope
3. staining
4. culture and sensitivity (aka culture or C&S)

Question 4

List 4 types of microorganisms

Answer 4

1. bacteria
2. fungi
3. parasites
4. viruses

Question 5

List the 4 areas of microbiology.

Answer 5

1. Bacteriology - study of bacteria
2. Parasitology - study of parasites
3. Mycology - study of fungi
4. Virology - study of viruses

Question 6

List 7 sources of specimens for microbiology

Answer 6

1. blood
2. urine
3. sputum
4. stool
5. CSF
6. eye/ear drainage
7. wound drainage

Question 7

What is the function of a Blood Culture?

Answer 7

To detect the presence of bacteria or yeasts, which may have spread from a specific site in the body into the bloodstream.

Question 8

When would a Physician order a Blood Culture?

Answer 8

When the patient exhibits symptoms of septicemia or sepsis.

Question 9

How many sets of blood cultures are drawn?

Answer 9

2 sets with 2 labels for each within 2hrs of each other.

Question 10

How do you symbolize the PO for a Blood Culture test?

Answer 10

K, RMOx2, Dept Aware (as they are always collected STAT)

*Don’t forget each req has 2 labels (4 total; 2 for BC #1, 2 for BC #2). The time to be done is ALWAYS STAT written in RED ink. Fax both reqs to the lab.

Question 11

What is MRSA?

Answer 11

Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus is caused by the staphylococcus aureus bacteria often called “staph”.

Question 12

What are the causes of MRSA?

Answer 12

1. unnecessary antibiotic use in humans
2. antibiotics in food and water
3. germ mutation

Question 13

How do physicians diagnose MRSA?

Answer 13

By checking a tissue sample or nasal secretions for signs of drug-resistant bacteria.

Question 14

What isolation precautions/infection control are taken to prevent the spread of MRSA?

Answer 14

isolation required for MRSA is “Contact Isolation”

Question 15

What is VRE?

Answer 15

Vancomycin Resistant enterococci are bacteria that are normally present in the human intestines and the female genital tract and are often found in the environment.