title: Appropriate use of the microbiology laboratory in the diagnosis of infectious diseases.
abstract: The collection and processing of clinical specimens in the diagnosis of infectious diseases is reviewed. Available culture methods, other laboratory tests, and their appropriate use and interpretation are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on selection of those tests most likely to give a specific diagnosis while avoiding unnecessary laboratory use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick 08903-0019.
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Bartels
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Weinstein
mesh_terms: D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*