title: Analytical challenges of microbial biofilms on medical devices.
abstract: Microbial colonization of medical devices is a widespread problem  that tests the limits of conventional analytical methods. Successful  analytical endeavors require collaboration between clinicians, microbiologists,  biomedical engineers, and analytical chemists.
authors.affiliation: The George Washington University, Department of Chemistry, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Akos
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vertes
authors.forename: Victoria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hitchins
authors.forename: K Scott
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D018407:Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; D018441:Biofilms; D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / Q000379:methods*; D004864:Equipment and Supplies / Q000382:microbiology*; D005658:Fungi / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000502:physiology*; D005821:Genetic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D013058:Mass Spectrometry / Q000379:methods; D046208:Microchip Analytical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods