Relationship between performance in three of the Centers for Disease Control microbiology proficiency testing programs and the number of actual patient specimens tested by participating laboratories.
(65/97)
The performance of laboratories enrolled in three of the Centers for Disease Control microbiology performance evaluation programs was studied in relation to the number of actual patient specimens tested by the laboratories. Laboratories were grouped according to the number of specimens tested weekly to compare performance among the groups. Results of the study showed that laboratories, as a group, that tested large numbers of specimens performed better than laboratories that tested small numbers. The infrequency of performing certain tests or identifying certain microbial species can be an important factor in laboratory error. One strategy for laboratories that cannot resolve internal problems associated with low testing volumes would be to limit their testing to procedures that are done well. (+info)
Data processing in hospital bacteriology: experience of 18 months' trial.
(66/97)
The nature of bacteriological investigations creates data processing problems. Non-numerical results must be coded. This may be done retrospectively or at the bench, the former method involving extra work and staff, the latter implying simple codes, stringent checking, a nearby computer, and decoding programs. The use of a shared computer for producing daily reports diminishes departmental autonomy. Benefits occur in more readily available records and statistics, quality control, epidemiology, and diagnostic bacteriology. (+info)
Bacteriological hazards of disposable bedpan systems.
(67/97)
A system using disposable papier mache bedpans and urinals in hospital has advantages of ease of handling for the nurse and cleanliness for the patient. Disposal of the bedpans and their contents is by destruction and flushing to waste. Some bacteriological hazards of this process in the Haigh Sluicemaster and J.M.L. Clinimatic machines are assessed, particularly the dispersal of the contents in spray and aerosol during opening, closing, and running the machines. Various safety devices were tested and some deficiencies are discussed.A major defect in the system is the need at present for a bedpan carrier or support which is not disposable and requires cleaning and disinfection. Minor problems include ordering and storing bulky items, possibly the texture of the bedpans themselves, and perhaps the effect of the bulk of paper discharged into the sewage system. At present the system seems unsuitable for use in infectious disease hospitals and has some deficiencies in use in general wards. The improvements suggested would greatly increase its acceptability which should then be completely re-assessed. To this end the examination of improved models using totally disposable bedpans is proceeding. (+info)
The need for a chlamydial culture service.
(68/97)
In a prospective study of unselected, female patients attending a sexually transmitted disease clinic one in eight patients would have been errouneously declared free of infection in the absence of a chlamydial culture service. Chlamydia trachomatis is now accepted as a causative organism of non-specific urethritis and post-gonococcal urethritis in men and non-specific genital infection in women. Thus, facilities for isolation of C. trachomatis should be an essential aid in the management of women attending STD clinics. Male patients would also benefit if such facilities were readily available. (+info)
Automatic serial diluting: an instrument for use in bacteriological laboratories.
(69/97)
A machine for automatic serial diluting in bacteriological laboratories is described. It is simple to operate, not too expensive, and results are sufficiently accurate for use in a diagnostic laboratory. (+info)
Effect of shaking speed and type of closure on shake flask cultures.
(70/97)
Growth of microorganisms and biosynthesis of microbial products in shake flasks may be limited by operating conditions which provide inadequate supplies of oxygen. Methods are described for meeting the oxygen requirements of test organisms by using standard baffled flasks with pad-type closures and shaking at relatively high speeds. Growth of Escherichia coli B in a rich medium and production of candidin by Streptomyces viridoflavus were the test systems used. Flasks shaken at 230 to 385 rev/min gave sulfite oxidation rates of 1 to 8 mmoles of oxygen per liter per min over a useful working volume range (40 to 150 ml in 300-ml flasks). These rates are as high as those obtained in agitated fermentors under usual operating conditions. (+info)
Isolation of anaerobic bacteria from human gingiva and mouse cecum by means of a simplified glove box procedure.
(71/97)
An anaerobic glove box constructed of clear flexible vinyl plastic is described. It is sufficiently inexpensive and simple in operation to be used not only in research but also in a clinical laboratory by technicians without special training. Conventional bacteriological techniques may be used inside the glove box for culturing and transferring anaerobic bacteria. The box may be heated to 37 C and thus serve as an anaerobic incubator as well, permitting inspection of cultures at any time. Media may be prepared and agar plates may be poured on the laboratory bench in the conventional manner. An overlay of trace amounts of palladium black catalyst over plated agar media reduces the medium to an oxidation-reduction (O-R) potential of - 300 mv within 2 days after introduction into the glove box. In spite of its greater simplicity, the system matched or excelled the roll tube method with respect to all parameters tested, including O-R potential obtainable in the media, O(2) concentration in the gas phase, and efficiency in isolating anaerobic bacteria from the mouse cecum. Comparative studies indicate that the conventional anaerobic jar method was inadequate for the isolation of strict anaerobes from human gingival specimens and from the mouse cecum. This was due to the exposure of specimens and media to air during plating on the open laboratory bench. Anaerobic jars were adequate for maintaining the proper conditions for growth of anaerobic bacteria once these had been established in the glove box. (+info)
A data processing system for hospital bacteriology.
(72/97)
A system for the automatic capture and retrieval of information contained in routine bacteriology reports is described. The system depends on the preparation of reports on an electric typewriter producing punched paper tape as a byproduct. Periodically the information contained on the tape is analysed by computer. The potential value of the system for the analysis of the results of antibiotic sensitivity testing and for the study of the epidemiology of hospital infections is briefly discussed. (+info)