Microbiology Rotation Part 1
On the first day of my microbiology rotation, I did not know what to expect. I got a tour of the hospital and a lesson on safety. I was then put at my first station, set ups, as this hospital calls it. I took worksheets with the patient information and tests ordered and found the specimen that matched it. I then plated the specimen to the appropriate media.
I also learned how Campylobacter grows in a 42 degree incubator with extra CO2. At the hospital it has its own special jar and incubator. Additionally, I learned how to screen for beta strep, gonorrhea, Clostridium difficile and learned how to make wet preps of yeast.
On the second day I was shown the QC that is performed every morning and how to change the gram stain solutions. I also discovered the joy of an automated gram stainer. I have been doing QC every morning now and I really got the hang of it. I really enjoyed setups. I learned which media to use--for instance, if I received a rectal swab and a lot of other things as well. So far I am really enjoying it. Next week I get to read plates on the stool and urine bench.