Professional Documents
Culture Documents
QualityControl Reagents Tests
QualityControl Reagents Tests
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements 2
Introduction 4
Amendment procedure 5
Acknowledgements
The ‘Strengthening of Medical Laboratory Services in the Caribbean’ (SMLS) Project, would like to thank
the following people for their participation in researching and writing the microbiology standard
methods, and also the individual countries for supporting this initiative.
Many thanks also for the facilitators of the standard methods meetings, the method editors and
administrative support.
Participants
Facilitators/Editors
Administrative Support
*The Health Protection Agency, England, is acknowledged for the knowledge and expertise of their staff and working
groups in the UK who develop National Standard Methods, on which the Caribbean Regional Microbiology Standard
Operating Procedures are based.
INTRODUCTION
The Caribbean Regional Standard Methods include a selection will be based on a review of EQA results, most
variety of standard, validated methods, produced as common and/or critical tests. Part of the method
a single standard operating procedure (SOP) for use in a standardization process will be an ongoing review and
variety of levels of microbiology laboratory service. amendment procedure. The CSMDG consists of
It is intended that these methods provide detailed microbiology laboratory representatives from most of
instructions for microbiology services for microbiological the CARIFORUM countries, all of whom were nominated
investigations, in order to provide accurate, reliable and to the task by the CRMC.
reproducible results which will have clinical utility. These
methods may be adopted by laboratories within the This initiative should enable the region to implement a
region, or adapted, provided that such adaptations use standardized and constructive method for ensuring that
an evidence-based validation process. validated methods are available for the region, and that
they are updated as required.
These methods have been developed by the Caribbean
Regional Microbiology Standard Methods Drafting Advantages of using regionally validated methods are
Group (CSMDG) in response to a request by the to improve quality, make better use of resources,
Caribbean Regional Microbiology Council (CRMC), reduce costs, enable central procurement & media
which was set up by the CARIFORUM Project entitled preparation, facilitate staff training and transfers due to
‘Strengthening of Medical Laboratories in the horizontal integration, a reduction in variability of service
Caribbean’ to strengthen specifically the microbiology provision, an improved quality of surveillance data,
services in the Caribbean Region. The Project was and the purchase of appropriate equipment. A major
initiated in response to findings which indicated that advantage is that the availability of regional standard
there was an unacceptable level of error in laboratories methods would assist microbiology laboratories with
within the region. External quality assessment results documentation for accreditation
revealed that microbiology laboratories were not
performing well and feedback from the region via Although the CSMDG has taken every care with the
laboratory staff, lab managers and directors was that preparation and issue of these standard procedures,
they felt that guidance in microbiology requirements was and they have been validated regionally, nationally and
required. internationally, the CSMDG, or any other organization,
cannot be responsible for the accuracy of any statement
The background for this initiative is a worldwide move to or representation made or the consequences arising
implement standards in all areas, which has now from the use of or alteration to any information
extended to include medical laboratories. As tourism is contained in them. These procedures are intended
so vital to the region’s economy, the need for accurate solely as a resource for practicing microbiology
diagnosis and treatment is paramount. It was accepted professionals in the field, operating in the Caribbean
that there is a requirement for validated methods for region, and specialist advice should be obtained where
accreditation purposes and providing validated standard necessary. If changes are made to the original
methods will assist in the move towards accreditation. publication, it must be made clear where changes have
been made to the original document. When referring to
The methods will be chosen for standardization by the these SOPs in successive documentation, the CSMDG
Caribbean Regional Microbiology Council, and this should be acknowledged.
Amendment procedure
Each Regional Standard Method should be reviewed annually by the Caribbean Standard Methods Drafting
Group. Any amendments should be validated and authorized by an agreed process, and referenced.
Each Regional Standard Method has an individual record of amendments. The current amendments are listed
on this page.
On issue of revised or new pages, each controlled document should be updated by the copyholder in the
laboratory.
1.2 Purpose
To ensure that correct validated procedures are followed when performing quality control (QC) of reagents and
tests.
1.3 Introduction
All tests performed in the microbiology laboratory must have quality control performed in order to verify and
validate test results. Quality control results provide evidence that the procedures were followed as intended
and allow the user to report results with confidence. This standard operating procedure is a compilation of
some of the most common test and stains performed in the clinical laboratory. Each procedure is accompanied
by relevant flowcharts and results record charts.
1.4 Scope
The procedure provides detailed instructions for microbiology services as offered by regional laboratories. It
may be adopted or adapted by any laboratory as needed, provided that such adaptations use an evidence-
based validation process.
Level 2 containment; requires all personal protective equipment (PPE). Goggles should be used when
performing processes that may give rise to aerosols
All microbiological samples for processing should be considered a potential source of transmissible infections
so universal safety precautions should be observed.
Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and water before and after handling all specimens.
Disinfect all work surfaces with 70% alcohol or a freshly prepared 10% bleach solution prior to testing and after
processing
All samples and reagents should be properly discarded according to the current standards for disposal of
hazardous waste.
Any procedure which is likely to produce aerosols should be performed in a biosafety cabinet.
Results of all QC testing should be recorded on the appropriate QC forms available in the department, and
which can be photocopied from this CRM-SOP
Results of all tests are invalid if the QC test results are not as expected
Ensure that reagents, stains and media are not used beyond the expiry date
Check all reagents and stains before use to ensure that they are free from contamination, debris or deposits.
All media used should be examined visually just before use to ensure that there is no contamination or
deterioration appearing as lysis, discolouration, drying, shrinkage, or cracking of the media.
1.9.2 Microscopy
Gram films should be performed to validate Gram stain and morphology, and presumptive identification of
organism, before more extensive and costly test are performed.
1.9.3 Culture
Occasionally sub-culture, or culture to obtain discrete colonies may be required.
1.9.4 Identification
Gram films should be performed to validate Gram stain and morphology, and presumptive identification of
organism, before more extensive and costly test are performed.
1.9.6 Referral
Organisms may be referred for confirmation of identification, or identification of more esoteric organisms, or
confirmation of serotype.
1.12 References
1. Health protection Agency BSOP TP 36.
2. Monica Cheesbrough, Medical Laboratory Manual for Tropical Countries, Volume II, Microbiology. 1984.
Butterworth-Heinemam, Microbiology Edition, EL/BS with Tropical Health Technology, 1991, p60–61
3. Ridley M.J., Ridley D.S. Stain techniques and morphology of mycobacterium lepta – leprosy
4. Jokahaski S. Handbook of direct smear examination of sputum for tubercle bacillus, SE AMIC publication,
No. 4, 1975.
5. I Collins CH, Grange JM, Yates MD. Tuberculosis Bacteriology 2nd Edition, 1997.
6. Isenberg, Henry D, Essential Procedures for Clinical Microbiology ASM Press 1998, pp 176–178.
7. Murray, PR et al; Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 7th ed., 1999 pp 1678.
No Yes
Gram Stain
ZN stain
India Ink
Catalase Test
Indole Test
Oxidase Test
Camp Test
Novobiocin Test
Optachin Test
Beta-Lactamase
Test
Bacitracin
Differential Test
PYR Test
X and V
Factor Test
Comments: ............................................................................................................................................................
4.2 Introduction
This test is used for the presumptive identification of Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) and
for differentiation from other ß-hemolytic Streptococcus species.
Most strains of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) are susceptible to 0.04μg bacitracin disc. However, test organism
resistant bacitracin should be tested further using a grouping method to confirm identification
4.9 References
1. Difco Differentiation Disks Bacitracin package insert
2. Murray, PR, et al, Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 7th Edition 1999, pp 287.
Incubate aerobically at
35 –37ºC for 18 – 24 h
Is QC OK? No
Yes
Yes No
5.2 Introduction
The Cefinase disc is impregnated with the chromogenic cephalosporin, nitrocefin. This compound exhibits a
very rapid colour change from yellow to red as the amide bond in the lactam ring is hydrolyzed to lactamase.
When a bacterium produces this enzyme in significant quantities, the yellow-coloured disc turns red in the area
where the isolate was smeared. Although other penicillins and cephalosporins may be used as substrates for
specific enzymes, nitrocefin has the wide spectrum of susceptibility and sensitivity of the commercially
available lactams. It is not known to react with other microbial enzymes.
Note: Colour change does not usually develop over the entire disc. A negative result will show no colour
change on the disc. For most bacterial strains a positive result will develop within 5 minutes. However reactions
for some staphylococci may take up to 1 hour.
Reaction
Organism Results Interpretation
Time
Staphylococcus aureus Positive 1 hr. Resistant to penicillin,
ampicillin, carbenicillin, and ticarcillin.
Probably susceptible to cephalothin,
methicillin,
oxacillin, naficillin and other penicilli-
nase-resistant penicillins.
Haemophilus influenzae Positive 1 min. Resistant to ampicillin. Susceptible to
cephalosporins.
Neisseria gonorrhoea and Moraxella Positive 5 min. Resistant to penicillin.
catarrhalis
Enterococcus faecalis Positive 5 min. Resistant to penicillin and
ampicillin.
Anaerobic bacteria Positive 30 min. Probable identification is Bacteroides
species. Probably resistant to penicillin
and may be resistant to
cephalosporins including cefotaxime
and rarely cefoxitin.
Susceptibility should be confirmed by growth-dependent susceptibility tests. Negative results imply but do not
guarantee susceptibility. If ATCC quality controls fail to produce the desired results test results must not be
reported. The expiration dates, QC strains, Purity and freshness of colonies and times for reading test results
should be checked and test should be repeated.
5.8 Limitations
As many strains produce inducible Beta–lactamases, it is imperative to take the colony for testing from around
the disc of a Beta–lactam antibiotic.
The efficacy of this test in predicting the lactams resistance of microorganisms other than Neisseria
gonorrhoea, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and certain
anaerobic bacteria is unproven. Resistance to lactams antibiotics has been rarely reported in some of the
above organisms without the production of Beta-lactamase. In these cases, resistance mechanisms such as
permeability barrier have been postulated. There, the lactamase test should be used as a rapid supplement
and not a replacement for conventional susceptibility testing. For some strains of staphylococci, particularly
S. epidermidis, an inducible lactamase has been described, that might result in a false negative lactamase
reaction, with a strain which is resistant to penicillin and ampicillin.
5.9 References
1. Marray P.A., et al. Manual of Clinical Microbiology 7th ed.1999
2. Technical Manual Beta-lactamase (Cefinase Test) Toronto Medical Laboratories/Mount Sinai Hospital
Microbiology Department: revised November 2002.
Investigate
Does the QC pass? and take
Yes No
corrective
action
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
6.2 Introduction
This bile-insoluble test is used specifically to differentiate between Streptococcus pneumoniae (bile soluble)
and other bile-insoluble Beta-haemolytic streptococci (not bile soluble).
The bile solubility test is used to determine the ability of bacterial cells to lyse in the presence of bile salts, within a
specified time. S. pneumoniae possesses an autolytic enzyme which lyses the cell’s own wall during division. The
addition of bile salts (sodium deoxycholate) activates the autolytic enzyme and the organisms rapidly autolyse.
Other α-haemolytic streptococci do not possess such an active system and therefore do not dissolve in bile.
A heavy inoculum of the test organism is emulsified in physiological saline to give a turbid suspension. The bile
salt sodium deoxycholate is then added. The test can also be performed by adding the bile salt to a broth
culture of the organism.
The bile salt dissolves S. pneumoniae by a clearing of the turbidity within 10 –15 minutes. Viridans streptococci
are not dissolved and therefore there is no clearing of the turbidity.
There should be no clearing of turbidity in the tube to which 0.85 % saline was added. If there is, repeat the test.
6.7.3 Report
Bile solubility test positive:S. pneumoniae
Bile solubility test negative: Organism is probably not S. pneumoniae
6.9 References
1. Health Protection Agency: BSOP TP 5
2. Chesbrough M., Medical Laboratory Manual for Tropical Countries: Volume II: Microbiology,..ed., EL/BS with
3. Tropical Health Technology/Butterworth-Heinemann, 1991, p.59–61
Select a well-isolated
single colony from a blood or
chocolate agar plate
Yes No
6.11 Procedure Flowchart for the Bile Solubility Test Method 2 (Tube)
Divide the suspension into two tubes: one test and one control
No Take corrective
Did controls pass?
action
Yes
Positive result-probably
Negative result-probably not
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
7.2 Introduction
The catalase test is particularly useful for distinguishing between Staphylococcus species which are catalase
positive, and Streptococcus species which are catalase negative. The test is to detect the catalase enzyme present
in most cytochrome-containing aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. Streptococcus and Enterococcus
species are exceptions.
The catalase test is used to detect the presence of catalase enzymes by the decomposition of hydrogen
peroxide to release oxygen and water. Hydrogen peroxide is formed by some bacteria as an oxidative end-
product of the aerobic breakdown of sugars and if allowed to accumulate is highly toxic. Catalase either
decomposes hydrogen peroxide or oxidizes secondary substrates.The addition of 1% glucose reduces
Pseudomonas-catalase reactions. Catalase acts as a catalyst in the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide to
oxygen and water.
An organism is tested for catalase production by bringing it into contact with hydrogen peroxide. If a rapid
liberation of bubbles of oxygen is present, the gaseous product of the enzyme activity is observed and this
indicates a positive test result, the organism is a catalase producer. A negative result is noted when no bubbles
are formed.
• Catalase testing of bacteria can be hazardous due to the release of bacteria-laden aerosols liberated oxygen.
• Hydrogen peroxide is an irritant.
7.7.1 Report
Catalase Positive or Catalase Negative
• Hydrogen peroxide is unstable and should be stored in spark proof fridge. Avoid any undue exposure to light.
• Anaerobic cultures should be exposed to air for 30 minutes prior to testing.
• Use wooden applicator stick as inoculating loops or wires can react with the hydrogen peroxide to produce
false negative reactions.
7.9 References
1. Health Protection Agency BSOP TP 8
2. Monica Cheesbrough, Medical Laboratory Manual for Tropical Countries, Volume II, Microbiology. 1984.
Butterworth–Heinemam, Microbiology Edition, EL/BS with Tropical Health Technology, 1991, p 60–61
Is QC ok? No
Yes
Yes No
Is QC ok? No
Yes
Yes No
Is QC ok? No
Yes
Yes No
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
8.2 Introduction
The Camp test (acronym for Christie Alkins and Munch Paterson who reported this phenomenon in 1944) was
designed to aid in the identification of Streptococcus Group B (Streptococcus agalactiae). This test relies on the fact
that most Strep. agalactiae strains prduce a diffusible extracellular compound that will, in conjunction with a specific
Beta-hemolysin of Staphylococcus aureus, cause complete lysis of sheep red blood cells in an agar medium.
Materials Equipment
Results are only validated if the expected results of the control organisms are observed.
• At the end of incubation, examine plates for arrow-head zone of haemolysis in the junction between
Staphylococcus aureus and test/control organism.
8.9 References
1. Monica Cheesbrough, Medical Laboratory Manual for Tropical Countries, Volume II Microbiology. 1984.
2. Mosby Howard B.J, Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology, 2nd Edition, CB Mosby Company, 1994, St. Louis.
Is QC ok? No
Yes
Yes No
Presumptive group B
Not group B Streptococcus
Streptococcus
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
9.2 Introduction
Members of the genus Staphylococcus are differentiated by their ability to clot plasma by the action of the
enzyme coagulase. Coagulase binds plasma fibrinogen, causing the organism to agglutinate or clot plasma.
Coagulase exists in two forms: ‘bound coagulase’ (or clumping factor) which is bound to the cell wall and ‘free
coagulase’ which is liberated by the cell wall. The slide coagulase test detects bound coagulase while the tube
coagulase test detects both bound and free coagulase.
Bound coagulase absorbs fibrinogen from the plasma and alters it so it precipitates on the Staphylococci,
causing them to clump resulting in cell agglutination. Free coagulase reacts with a substance in plasma to form
a fibrin clot.
Timer
Disposable pipettes
Sterile water
35–37ºC Incubator
Control organisms should be tested with each batch of test organisms to ensure that the reagent is working
properly and that techniques and methods are acceptable.
Negative and delayed results must be verified with the tube test.
9.9 References
1. National Health Agency NHS BSOP TP 10i3
2. Howard BJ, Clinical and Pathogenic Biology, 2nd edition, CV Mosby Co. St Louis, 1994.
Discontinue test
Observe for autoagglutination and perform the
tube coagulase
No
Mix a loopful of coagulase plasma into the suspension. Take corrective action
Observe for visible clumping within 10 seconds and repeat test
Is QC ok? No
Yes
Yes No
Is QC ok? No
Yes
Yes No
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
10.2 Introduction
When performing sensitivity testing using the Disk Diffusion method, some Staphylococcus and Beta hemolytic
Streptococcus may give a clindamycin sensitive and erythromycin resistant interpretative result. Normally
erythromycin should be sensitive and clindamycin should be resistant, unless there is enzymatic interference
affecting the actions of the drugs. In this case it is the Erm-gene that makes clindamycin appear to be sensitive
when it is actually resistant. In such cases the Clindamycin Resistance or ‘D’ Test is used to detect this
inducible clindamycin resistance.
This test applies to all staphylococcus and beta hemolytic streptococcus that exhibit clindamycin sensitive and
erythromycin resistant antibiotic susceptibility test results.
Pure culture of a 16–24 hrs S. aureus Sterile Pasteur pipettes Discard pans/sharps
or Beta hemolytic streptococcus containers
Sterile Cotton swabs
grown on a suitable solid culture medi-
Nephelometer
um
(Vitex colorimeter)
Erythromycin 15μg disk
Bunsen Burner
Clindamycin 2μg disk
Vortex
Mueller Hinton broth
Mueller Hinton plates or tube media
0.85% sterile saline in tubes
QC strains
0.5 McFarland standard
10.6 Examination
• Suspend organism in Mueller Hinton broth (MH) equal to 0.5 McFarland standard.
• Immerse a sterile non-toxic swab into standardized inoculum suspension.
• Rotate swab several times, pressing firmly on the inside wall of the tube above the fluid level to remove excess
inoculum.
• Streak swab over entire surface of Mueller Hinton agar plate for confluent growth.
• Repeat step 4 twice more, rotating the plate each time to ensure uniform growth.
• A final sweep is made on the agar rim with the swab.
• Inoculate the swab on a quadrant of the appropriate media to check for purity.
• Apply erythromycin and clindamycin disks to the agar approximately 15mm apart using sterile forceps measuring
with a ruler from the edge of one disk to the edge of the other. Gently press against disk to be sure it is in complete
contact with the agar.
• Incubate plate at 33–35ºC in an ambient air incubator for 24 hours.
• Examine plate closely using transmitted light for any indentation of growth (a ‘D’ shape).
10.7.2 Reporting
• If ‘D’ Test is positive (Inducible resistance to clindamycin detected). Also report erythromycin resistant and
clindamycin resistant in addition to the note below:
• This isolate is presumed to be resistant based on the detection of inducible clindamycin resistance.
Clindamycin may still be effective in some patients.
• If no inducible resistance to clindamycin detected. Report erythromycin resistant and clindamycin sensitive.
• If erythromycin is sensitive, inducible clindamycin resistance is not applicable and do not comment about
clindamycin induction on patient’s report.
10.9 References
1. Sutcliffe J., A. Tait-Kamradt, L. Wondrack. 1999. Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes
resistant to macrolides but sensitive to clindamycin: a common resistance pattern mediated by an efflux
system. Antimicrob. Agents Chemother...40 (8): 1817–24.
2. Mechanisms of resistance to macrolides and lincosamides: nature of resistance elements and their clinical
implications. 2002. Clin. Infect. Dis. 34: 482–492.
3. NCCLS. Jan. 2004. Performance Standards for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Tests; Fourteenth Informational
Supplement. M100-S14. Vol. 24, No.1. Wayne, PA
Staphylococcus or Beta
haemolytic streptococcus that is
Clindamycin sensitivite and
Erythromycin resistance
Yes
Yes No
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
11.2 Introduction
Candida albicans is responsible for 80–90% of candidiosis. The remainders of infections are caused by other
species of Candida: Candida tropicalis; Candida krusei; Candida glabrata and Candida krusei. Candida species
are commensals in some sites of the body but proliferate under certain conditions, thereby causing infections.
Positive germ tube formation exhibits the short lateral filaments branching from the yeast cell. The only specie
of Candida to exhibit germ tube formations (short filamentous extensions which extend linearly from the yeast
cell) is Candida albicans. All other species of Candida will have a negative result.
Expected Results:
Positive germ tube formation: Candida albicans.
Negative germ tube formation: Candida tropicalis.
11.9 References
1. TML/MSH Microbiology Policy and Procedure Manual, Technical Manual, July 31,
2000, pg 56.
2. Murray PA , et al. Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 7th ed, 1999, pp1189–1191.
Yes
Yes No
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
12.2 Introduction
Meningitis infections caused by Cryptococcus neoformans are opportunistic infections usually seen in
immunocompromised patients. It is sporadic yeast which may usually affect the lungs, brain and meninges and
other body sites, may also be associated with respiratory infections. It is associated with HIV infection and
diseases of the reticuloendothelial system. A cerebrospinal fluid sample is obtained by a special procedure
called a lumbar puncture. This specimen is treated as urgent and is tested immediately upon receipt.
The Cryptococcus neoformans yeast is surrounded by a large gelatinous polysachharide capsule. This thick
capsule makes the yeast cell hard to identify from stained smears. India ink therefore is a test which enables the
technician to observe the encapsulated yeast (about 2–15μm in diameter) are observed against a dark background.
Light reflects from the yeast allowing one to observe the clear halo around the yeast cell or budding cells.
Please note that Cryptococcus neoformans is a category 3 pathogen, therefore if suspected all isolates
must be handled in a Biosafety Cabinet.
Safety must be in accordance with safety guidelines for handling of specimens and reagents as outlined in the
laboratory safety manual.
All work likely to generate aerosols must be done under a microbiological safety cabinet.
India Ink Reagent Clean glass microscope slides Microscope w/ 40x and 100x
objectives
Glass coverslips
Inoculatine wire/loop
Quality control is performed to ensure validity, accurate and reproducible results and to ensure expected
performance of the reagents used for the test.
Validate results along with quality controls. If quality controls are invalid, corrective action must be taken and
test must be repeated along with quality controls. Immediately report and document both patient results and
quality controls.
Validate results along with quality controls. If quality controls are invalid, corrective action must be taken and
test must be repeated along with quality controls. Immediately report and document both patient results and
quality controls.
12.9 References
1. Monica Cheesbrough, Medical Laboratory Manual for Tropical Countries, Volume II Microbiology. 1984. pg
390–391.
Yes
Yes No
Other Cryptococcus
Cryptococcus neoformans
species or other yeast
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
13.2 Introduction
The indole test detects tryptophanase production and aids in the differentiation of enterobactericeae and other
genera.
The indole test determines the ability of the organism to produce indole from the degradation of the amino acid
tryptophan. Tryptophan is hydrolyzed by tryptophinase to produce three possible end products, one of which
is indole. A coloured product is produced when indole is combined with certain aldehydes, e.g. Kovac's reagent.
Two methods are described, a spot method which detects rapid indole producing organisms and the conventional
tube method requiring overnight incubation which identifies weak indole producing organisms. For the tube
method, tryptophan (peptone broth) can be used or one of the biochemical test medium namely SIM or MIL.
Dissolve benzaldehyde in amyl alcohol (may require warming to 50ºC) then carefully add the acid. If reagent turns
red, place in refrigerator at 4ºC until colour changes to golden yellow. Store at 4ºC in a brown bottle covered with
aluminum foil (to prevent breakdown of reagent by light).
3. Do not use peptone medium with added glucose as acid production may inhibit indole production.
4. Cultures to be tested for indole must be incubated aerobically (as far as possible). A decrease in oxygen
tension decreases indole production.
13.9 References
1. Murray, PR, et at; Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 7thEdition, 1999, pp1668.
Inoculate tryptophan/peptone
broth or media e.g. MIL, SIM
Incubate overnight at
37 ºC aerobically
Take corrective
What is the result?
action
Positive Negative
Is QC ok?
Yes No
Take corrective
What is the result?
action
Positive Negative
Is QC ok?
Yes No
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
14.2 Introduction
This test is used to differentiate Staphylococcus saprophyticus from coagulase negative Staphylococci
isolated from urine specimens. Of the clinically significant coagulase negative staphylococci; Staphylococcus
saprophyticus is resistant to 5 μg of Novobiocin. A diameter of inhibition of 16mm or less around a 5μg
Novobiocin is one of the clinically significant CNS and this disc constitutes a resistant test result and gives a
presumptive identification of Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
Materials Equipment
Test organism
14.9 References
1. Monica Cheesbrough, Medical Laboratory Manual for Tropical Countries, Volume II Microbiology. 1984.
2. Mosby Howard B.J, Clinical and Pathogenic Microbiology, 2nd Edition, CB Mosby Company, 1994, St. Louis.
No Take corrective
Is QC ok? action and repeat
test with controls
Yes
Yes No
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
15.2 Introduction
Susceptibility to optochin (ethylhydrocupriene hydrochloride) is a simple and reliable method of differentiating
Streptococcus pneumoniae from other alpha-hemolytic streptococci.
The optochin test detects an organisms susceptibility to the chemical optochin (ethylhydrocupriene
hydrochloride). The chemical tests the fragility of the bacterial cell membrane and causes S. pneumoniae to
lyse due to changes in surface tension.
15.6.2 Specimen
• Streak the specimen onto a blood plate.
• Place an optochin disc in the centre of the primary inoculum.
• Incubate at 35–37ºC for 18–24 h in 5% CO2
• Examine for zones of inhibition.
15.9 References
1. Health Protection Agency BSOP TP 25.
Take corrective
Is QC ok?
No action
Yes
Yes No
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
16.2 Introduction
The test is used to differentiate pseudomonads from other non-fermentative species of bacteria. The test is
used to aid in the differentiation of Neisseria, Moraxella, Campylobacter and Pasteurella species, all being
oxidase positive. The oxidase test is used to determine if an organism possesses the cytochrome oxidase
enzymes.
Oxidase positive bacteria possess cytochrome oxidase or independent oxidase (an iron containing
haemoprotein). These both catalyse the transport of electrons from donor compounds (NADH) to electron
acceptors (usually oxygen).
The cytochrome system is usually only present in aerobic organisms which are capable of utilizing oxygen as
the final hydrogen receptor. The end product of this metabolism is either water or hydrogen peroxide (broken
down by catalase).
16.6.3 Direct Plate Method (do not use on colonies intended for sub-culture)
• Add 1–2 drops of reagent to suspect colonies
• Examine for blue colour within 10 seconds
16.6.4 Swab Method (do not use on colonies intended for sub-culture)
• Add 1–2 drops reagent to swab or dip in reagent
• Touch colony with swab
• Examine for blue colour within 10 seconds
16.9 References
1. Murray, PR et al; Manual of Clinical Microbiology 7th ed., 1999 pp 1670
Touch suspected
colony on plate
Add colonies to filter
paper or commercial
impregnated test strip
Positive Negative
Did QC pass?
Yes No
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
17.2 Introduction
PYR (L-pyrrolidonyl-B-naphthylamide) serves as a substrate for the detection of pyrrolidonyl peptidase. Following
the hydrolysis of the substrate by the enzyme, the resulting B-naphthylamine produces a red colour upon the
addition of P-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde reagent (PYR regent). This test is used in conjunction with others, for
the identification of catalase negative, gram positive cocci including Group A Streptococci and Enterrococci.
Reagents Materials
Forceps
17.9 References
1. Murray, PR, et at; Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 7th Edition, 1999, pp286.
2. Remel kit insert information.
Positive Negative
Yes No
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
18.2 Introduction
The urease test is use to differentiate urease-positive Proteus species from other members of the
Enterobacteriaceae. Some strains of Enterobacter and Klebsiella species are also urease-positive. This test
also differentiates the urease-negative Corynebacterium diphtheriae from the urease-positive Corynebacterium
ulcerans and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Helicobacter pylori and most Brucella species are urease-
positive. Bacteroides ureolyticus split urea rapidly, usually within a few minutes, and is a quick way of
identifying this organism. The urease test may aid in the identification of Cryptococcus species which produces
a positive result after prolonged incubation.
The urease test is used to determine the ability of an organism to split urea by production of the enzyme urease.
Two units of ammonia are formed producing alkalinity. The production of alkali is detected by a pH indicator.
Christensen’s urea contains the pH indicator phenol red which under acid conditions (pH 6.8) is yellow. In alkaline
conditions (pH 8.4) the indicator turns the media rose pink.
18.9 References
1. Health protection Agency BSOP TP 36
Is QC ok? No
Yes
No No
Comments: ..................................................................................................................................
19.2 Introduction
This SOP describes the differentiation of the Haemophilus species by the X and V test.
Species of the genus Haemophilus require either or both of the two factors X and V for growth. X factor is
compromised of protoporphyrin IX, haemin or other iron-containing porphyrins. These are required for growth
because X-dependent strains are unable to convert α-amino-laevulinic acid to protoporphyrin. V factor
compromises nicotinamide adenine dinucleodide phosphate (NADP). Both factors are present in blood.
The factors are incorporated into filter paper discs which are placed on a blood-free medium previously
inoculated with the organism under test.
Interpretation of Results
19.9 References
1. Health Protection Agency: BSOP TP 38
No
Are QC ok?
Yes
Result may be
H. influenzae Result is presumptive
H. parainfuenzae
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Please note that Mycobacterium species are Category 3 pathogens and should be handled as such.
20.1 Purpose
To ensure the correct validated procedure is followed for performing the Zeihl–Neelsen test to produce accurate,
reliable, reproducible results having clinical utility.
20.2 Introduction
The ZN Stain is used to stain smears prepared primarily from sputum specimens from patients suspected of having
tuberculosis. It is commonly used as a screening tool for early detection and to initiate treatment in a presumptive
diagnosis of mycobacterial infection e.g. Pulmonary tuberculosis.
The main characteristics of mycobacterium are that they are acid fast, because of the high concentration of
lipo-polysaccharide in their cell wall. They hold the aniline dye, basic fuschin, and are difficult to decolorize. They
retain the red colour even after treatment with a mixture of acid-alcohol. Methylene blue or Malachite green maybe
used as the counter stain in the technique.
Specimen Preparation
• Apply specimen to a clean, dry labeled slide using swab or loop. Be careful not to make smear too thick
• Sputum, spinal fluid or other body fluid are suitable specimens for a smear
• Allow smear to air dry
• Fix smear by passing through low flame 2–3 times, or leave on slide warmer. Be careful not to overheat slide
Control slides can be prepared in-house by using known positive patient samples and the negative control using a
suspension of Escherichia coli equivalent to #1 McFarland standard. However, QC slides are commercially available
and should be purchased in preference to preparing in-house slides due to the Health & Safety risk involved in their
preparation.
• Positive & negative controls should be stained with each batch of test slides.
• The quality of stains and procedure must be monitored.
• A new batch of stains should be checked with controls before use.
20.9 Reference
1. Kit package insert
2. Ridley M.J., Ridley D.S. Stain techniques and morphology of mycobacterium lepta–leprosy
3. Jokahaski S. Handbook of direct smear examination of sputum for tubercle bacillus, SE AMIC publication, No.
4, 1975.
4. I Collins CH, Grange JM, Yates MD. Tuberculosis Bacteriology 2nd Edition, 1997
5. Isenberg, Henry D, Essential Procedures for Clinical Microbiology ASM Press 1998,
pp 176–178
6. Murray, PR et al; Manual of Clinical Microbiology, 7th ed., 1999 pp 1678.
Yes
Yes
Are red bacilli seen?
No
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