Lab Manual and Workbook in Microbiology: Applications to Patient Care

This lab manualemphasizes the basic principles of diagnostic microbiology for studentspreparing to enter the allied health field. Students are led through a seriesof exercises that allow them to learn basic microbiology techniques andpractice safety in the laboratory and hospital environment. It is primarily orientedtoward meeting the interests and needs of those who will be directly involvedin patient care and wish to learn how microbiological principles should beapplied in the practice of their professions.

The authors articulatethe purposes and function of the clinical microbiology laboratory in thediagnosis of infectious diseases. Exercises illustrate the nature of laboratoryprocedures used for isolation and identification of infectious agents as wellas the principles of asepsis, disinfection and sterilization. The role of thehealth professional is highlighted in regard to appropriate collection ofclinical specimens and application of aseptic and disinfectant techniques asthey relate to patient care.