Identification of Bacterial Pathogens basic skills in bacteriology

Specimen Collection• Successful identification depends on how the specimenis collected, handled and stored.• It is important that general aseptic procedures be usedincluding sterile sample containers and samplingmethods to prevent contamination of the specimen.• E.g. Throat and nasopharyngeal swabs should not touchthe cheek, tongue or salvia.• What other precautions must be taken when collecting specimens?• After collection the specimen must be taken promptlyto the lab and stored appropriately (e.g. refrigeration).Dr.T.V.Rao MD6