Bacteriological examination

As Bacteriological examination (BU) is called the detection, identification and, optionally, quantification of bacterial pathogens from the test material. As starting material, for example, swabs and swab samples from pathological changes or materials, body secretions , tissue samples from pathology, biopsies and samples from food can be considered. The sampling is to be carried out sterile to prevent overgrowth with ubiquitous foreign germs. Transport times and conditions to the test laboratory also play a decisive role in determining the significance.

A simple proof of bacterial contamination is the microscopic proof using different staining techniques ( Gram staining , Ziehl-Neelsen staining ). A bacteriological examination is normally done by a cultivation ( culture ) of the bacteria on a culture medium or in liquid growth media as a bacterial culture , respectively. This also allows a quantification in colony-forming units and the preparation of an antibiogram . A differentiation of pathogens can also take place via their biochemical properties (" Colorful series "). Molecular biological techniques are also being used to an increasing extent .

The choice of the suitable method is largely determined by the suspected diagnosis, as many pathogens require specific cultivation conditions and detection methods.