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The indole test is a biochemical test demonstrating a bacteria’s ability to break down the amino acid tryptophan to indole. Microbiologists use the test to narrow down on Enterobacteria that can break down the amino acid. The test is commonly used after gram staining to narrow down on specific gram-negative or gram-positive bacteria. In clinical…
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Learn about the Rivalta test, a simple and inexpensive method to differentiate between transudates and exudates. Discover its procedure, principle, and interpretation.
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Discover Pandy’s test, a simple method to detect globulin in cerebrospinal fluid. Learn about its procedure, principle, and interpretation.
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Routine venipuncture is the process of drawing blood from a vein during phlebotomy. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) should be adhered to when collecting blood samples. There are multiple reasons for drawing blood from a vein. These include laboratory testing, getting rid of excess blood, treatment, and for blood transfusion. Veins are preferred over arteries because…
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The Sahli method, also referred to as the acid hematin method, is a technique used to measure the amount of haemoglobin in blood. In this process, blood is mixed with a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl) to convert hemoglobin into a brown-colored substance called acid hematin. The resulting solution is then diluted until its…
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The Coagulase test is a biochemical assessment that checks for the ability of bacteria to produce coagulase enzyme. Microbiologists primarily use the test for differentiating coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus from other coagulase-negative Staphylococci. Bacteria produce coagulase enzyme, a virulent factor that interacts with fibrinogen attached to the host’s cell—interacting with fibrinogen results in the formation of…
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The Macconkey agar composition culminates in a selective culture medium that isolates gram-negative and enteric bacilli and differentiates them based on lactose fermentation. MacConkey agar composition was first developed in the 20th century by Alfred Theodore MacConkey, who was working as a bacteriologist for the Royal Commission on Sewage Disposal. MacConkey’s goal was to create…
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A sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The machine is manually operated and works by measuring blood pressure on the brachial artery’s walls. The brachial artery is the primary vessel that supplies blood to the elbow, hand, forearm, and upper arm. A stethoscope used to listen to sounds within the body, is…
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An otoscope also referred to as an Auriscope, is a medical instrument used by medical personnel to visualize the inside of an ear. Check out how to use a sphygmomanometer for blood pressure examination. Otoscopy procedure is done to evaluate ear complaints and visualizes the external auditory canal, middle ear, and tympanic membrane. The procedure…
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Reporting proper malaria microscopy results is important in managing malaria-infected patients and provides reliable data for intervention programs. Reporting requirements Basic Malaria microscopy slide examination (No. of asexual parasites counted * WBC count)/ No. of white cells relative to parasites How to report malaria microscopy results Also, report: Report ‘No malaria parasites seen’, rather than…