What is an antibiotic assay in a hospital microbiology laboratory?

An antibiotic assay measures the level of a drug such as gentamicin or vancomycin in a patient's blood. Doses are adjusted so the level treats the infection without damaging the kidneys.

What is a cross-infection survey?

A cross-infection survey checks how infections spread between patients, staff and equipment. Patients may be swabbed for MRSA on admission, and rates of hospital-acquired infection are compared over time.

How does the microbiology department monitor antibiotic resistance?

Sensitivity results from every specimen are collected and analysed for trends. Rising resistance is reported, and local prescribing guidelines are updated.

CCEA A-Level Life and Health Sciences 0008

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Histology and Pathology

Diagnostic and surveillance work in hospital microbiology

3 things to know
A2 8

Overview

Surveillance of infection and resistance, antibiotic assays, Gram stains of sputum, minimum inhibitory concentration with a worked result, dilution plates, ELISA and handling tuberculosis specimens.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started

Key term

What is the role of the microbiology department, and which specimens does it test?

Key term

How does the microbiology department monitor infectious disease in hospitals and the community?

Process

How does the microbiology department support GPs and other primary healthcare workers?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1
What is the role of the microbiology department, and which specimens does it test?
Model answer
The microbiology department identifies the microorganisms causing infections and finds which drugs will treat them. Specimens include urine, blood cultures, swabs, sputum, faeces and cerebrospinal fluid.
2
How does the microbiology department monitor infectious disease in hospitals and the community?
Model answer
The department tracks bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitic infections through the results it produces. Clusters of cases alert infection control teams and public health staff to possible outbreaks.
3
How does the microbiology department support GPs and other primary healthcare workers?
Model answer
GPs and community nurses send specimens, such as urine from patients with suspected urinary infections. The laboratory reports the organism and which antibiotics will work against it.
4
What is an antibiotic assay in a hospital microbiology laboratory?
Model answer
An antibiotic assay measures the level of a drug such as gentamicin or vancomycin in a patient's blood. Doses are adjusted so the level treats the infection without damaging the kidneys.
5
What is a cross-infection survey?
Model answer
A cross-infection survey checks how infections spread between patients, staff and equipment. Patients may be swabbed for MRSA on admission, and rates of hospital-acquired infection are compared over time.
6
How does the microbiology department monitor antibiotic resistance?
Model answer
Sensitivity results from every specimen are collected and analysed for trends. Rising resistance is reported, and local prescribing guidelines are updated.

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