In this week’s blog, I will cover a basic concept in Microbiology, in particular colonial morphology. Colonial morphology in microbiology is simply noting the unique characteristics of microorganisms. In many cases, these unique visual characteristics can help technologists in the identification of the microorganism. Continue reading
Lab Chronicles
Within my final year in my Medical Laboratory Science program, I performed my clinical practicum in a hospital laboratory rotating between all clinical disciplines: hematology, chemistry, microbiology, histology and transfusion medicine.
The Lab Chronicles: My Experience in the Microbiology Laboratory – Week 3
During my third week in Microbiology, I again alternated between the primary and secondary benches. One of the main tests I performed throughout the week was the β-lactamase test for Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus is a common bacteria found in many types of infections. Unfortunately, it is also known to be resistant to a multitude of antibiotics. The β-lactamase test is performed to see if the bacteria contains the enzyme, β-lactamase. This enzyme breaks down the β-lactam ring that certain antibiotics (such as penicillin) contain. This test is performed using a small disk that is placed on a slide, which is wetted with sterile water, and inoculated with the bacteria. The testing for the specimen is performed alongside quality control specimens that are known to be positive and negative. If the control organisms do not give the expected results, the test is invalid. A positive result appears as a pink color on the disk, whereas a negative result displays no color change. Continue reading
The Lab Chronicles: My Experience in the Microbiology Laboratory – Week 2
During my second week at the hospital, I was put on the Day 2 and 3 benches, alternating each day so that I could follow the specimens that I worked on the previous day. The Day 2 and 3 benches are also referred to as the primary and secondary benches (respectively). I will use both terms interchangeably throughout my blogs. Continue reading
The Lab Chronicles: My Experience in the Microbiology Laboratory – Week 1
For the past three years, I have attended the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) pursuing a Bachelor of Health Science in Medical Laboratory Science. This degree is specific to the Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) profession. For my final year, I will be performing my clinical practicum at a hospital rotating between the five disciplines on the clinical lab: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Histopathology, Hematology, and Transfusion Science. I have already begun my first rotation in the Microbiology lab. Continue reading
My Kind of Science 