title: Proper use of the clinical microbiology laboratory.
abstract: The interaction between clinicians and microbiology laboratory staff has to be one of mutual benefit. The more the laboratory personnel know about your patients, the more meaningful and thorough will be the results. Communication is the key to success. Visit the microbiology laboratory and get to know the staff. The clinician also needs to be familiar with and use the most commonly used diagnostic tests for individual bacterial pathogens appropriately.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Christenson
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Overall
mesh_terms: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001419:Bacteria / Q000254:growth & development; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000382:microbiology*; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D002648:Child; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000379:methods; D015610:Serum Bactericidal Test; D013048:Specimen Handling
chemical_list: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial