Microbiology Basics
This branch of science studies organisms too small to be seen without a microscope.
What is microbiology?
This specimen type is the most commonly collected type for suspected urinary tract infections.
What is clean-catch midstream urine?
This piece of equipment sterilizes inoculating loops by heating them until red-hot.
What is an incinerator?
This test differentiates Staphylococcus from Streptococcus based on bubble formation.
What is the catalase test?
This area of microbiology studies fungi.
What is mycology?
Name the four major groups of microorganisms studied in clinical microbiology.
What are bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites?
Name two identifiers required on a microbiology specimen label.
What are patient name and date/time of collection?
Most human pathogens grow best at this temperature range.
What is 35–37°C?
This enzyme, detected by a specific test, is produced by Staphylococcus aureus.
What is coagulase?
This parasite is detected using the “cellophane tape prep.”
What is Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm)?
These bacteria retain crystal violet during Gram staining.
What are Gram-positive bacteria?
This type of swab material should be avoided when collecting specimens.
What is cotton?
The Gram stain uses this as the mordant.
What is Gram's iodine?
MRSA is resistant to this class of antibiotics.
What are penicillins (specifically methicillin)?
This type of microorganism hijacks host cells to replicate and is much smaller than bacteria.
What is any virus (e.g., SARS-CoV-2)?
Name the three basic bacterial shapes.
What are coccus, bacillus, and spirillum?
These organisms require reduced oxygen for growth.
What are microaerophilic organisms?
Name the four reagents used in a Gram stain in order.
What are crystal violet, Gram’s iodine, decolorizer (alcohol), and safranin?
On EMB agar, this organism produces a green metallic sheen.
What is Escherichia coli?
This test measures the minimum concentration of antibiotic needed to inhibit bacterial growth.
What is the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) [or Kirby-Bauer or E-test]?
Microorganisms that cause disease only when the immune system is compromised are called this.
What are opportunistic pathogens?
Name two factors that affect disinfectant effectiveness.
What are concentration and pH (also dwell time, temperature, number of bacteria)?
This technique prevents contamination of cultures and the environment.
What is aseptic technique?
Name and describe the three hemolysis patterns observed on blood agar.
What are beta (complete), alpha (partial), and gamma (none)?
This dimorphic fungus causes Valley Fever.
What is Coccidioides immitis?