CLINICAL LAB SCIENEC

CHAPTER 15: MICROBIOLOGY 389
Therefore, the field of microbiology is growing
more important for guiding the proper and
effective use of antibiotics. The development
of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), a antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria
now found in most hospitals, is a result of heavy
use of antibiotics. This organism often causes
pneumonia that is difficult to treat.
Development of New
Technology in Microbiology
The term rapid microbiology covers methods to
confirm more quickly the presence or absence
of infectious organisms. Technology now exists
that will screen body fluids to determine if any
organisms are present before culturing the sample
or submitting the specimen to an expensive
FIGURE 15-2 A bacterial incinerator, a work practice control, is
used to avoid aerosols when an inoculating needle is sterilized.
Source: Delmar/Cengage Learning.
automated process or to a commercial reference laboratory. The original, traditional
methods usually require growth of the microorganisms before performing
any identification tests, causing a delay in the results. Early identification and
treatment are advantageous for the patient, because continued discomfort and
in some cases permanent damage may result from delayed treatment. Some early
advertisements of rapid methods claim that immediate results will be available,
referring to the elimination of or a reduction in the time necessary for the growth
phase to produce microorganisms needed for identification testing. The implementation
of methodology enabling rapid identification of some common bacterial
infections such as the organism that causes strep throat has been slow, in
part because of cost and increased labor. This can be attributed to those medical
practitioners who prefer to prescribe antibiotics based on clinical symptoms and
signs, and then perform testing if the condition is not alleviated. Others believe
that the technology will fall to the side of the road, but there are encouraging
signs that strides are occurring that will lead to more rapid microbiology results.
Table 15-1 Exposure Control Methods to Protect against Biological
Hazards in the Microbiology Laboratory
Hazard
Blood or blood products
Pathogenic microorganisms
Hazardous aerosols
Contaminated work surfaces
Needlesticks
Protective Measures
Wear gloves and a buttoned, fl uid-resistant laboratory coat
Wear gloves and laboratory coat; use biological safety cabinet
Place acrylic benchtop shield between worker and tubes when removing
stoppers; wear mask, goggles, or face shield when disposing of urine
Wipe with 10% chlorine bleach solution (or other surface disinfectant)
before and after all procedures and any other appropriate time
Use self-sheathing needles or quick-release holders; never recap,
bend, break, or cut used needles
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