Microbiology

The Clinical Section of Microbiology performs a wide variety of microbiological testing including Bacteriology, Mycology, Rapid Virology, Molecular Diagnostics and Parasitology. All Mycobacteriology and Viral Cultures are referred to a reference laboratory.

Microbiology testing information is accessible by searching Microbiology Sources or Microbiological Tests listed above.

Search by:

referring to the source and test listings on the menu, or
typing the query source or test in the search box.

Note: source listing does not include all possible anatomical sites.
Search using a broader source category may be necessary i.e. wound, abscess, tissue, fluid.

Microbiology tests are also listed in the Alphabetical Test Directory.

For Gram Stain, Culture & Sensitivity, refer to specific culture type:

Bacterial culture
Anaerobic culture – proper specimen collection and rapid processing are essential, only certain specimen types are suitable for anaerobic culture, i.e. “closed” space specimens
Candida/Yeast culture
Fungal culture – must indicate specific fungal request on requisition; in cases of systemic mycoses, specify the organism suspected and pertinent history

Gram stain results are routinely included with culture requests with the following exceptions:

Burn swab cultures
Routine urine cultures
Catheter tip cultures
Infection surveillance requests
Negative blood cultures, and
Fungal cultures.

Culture results routinely include all clinically relevant pathogens for the specific site/source.

Susceptibility results are provided as appropriate.

Antibiograms

Healthcare personnel requiring additional information regarding data entry, optimal specimens, specimen containers, and/or specimen transportation contact the Microbiology HelpDesk at 403-770-3646.

Physicians requiring consultation may contact the Microbiologist on Call at 403-770-3757.

Hours of Service

Regular hours of operation: 24 hours/day, seven days a week.

Completing the Test Request Form

Refer to Completing the Requisition.

Specimen Labelling Criteria

Refer to Specimen Identification (Labelling).

Specimen Rejection

Refer to Specimen Rejection.