The Bacteriology Section identifies pathogenic bacteria or fungi and determines antimicrobial MIC susceptibilities of isolated organisms of bacteria and some yeast, if requested. The section also provides testing for the federal and state Contagious Equine Metritis regulatory program, and serogrouping of Salmonella isolates.
If you are requesting bacteriology tests, remember to keep samples moist, cool, and send by overnight transport. The following are important points to keep in mind:
- Tissues should be VERY fresh and collected aseptically.
- Collect samples prior to antibiotic treatment.
- Submit generous portions of tissue or several milliliters of pus, exudate, or feces.
- If you need to submit swab specimens, Amies Bacterial Transport Medium and swab with charcoal are ideal for maintaining survival during transport of most aerobic bacterial agents. Charcoal helps eliminate metabolic products of bacterial growth, which may be especially useful in the isolation of fastidious microorganisms. Fecal Campylobacter organisms survive well in Amies medium.
- Submit samples individually in separate bags or jars with correct and clear identification.
- Maintain samples at refrigeration temperature (40ºF/4ºC) and send with ice packs. Freezing is generally not recommended. (Samples submitted for Tritrichomonas testing should be at room temperature.)
Please see Test Information for specific information on sample collection and handling for specific tests.