Diagnosis of infections requires promptness and accuracy. Laboratory investigations are helpful for the diagnosis of an infectious agent and for determining the type of treatment to be provided. Laboratory tests vary from simple and time-consuming and very practical to being frequently used and from complex to being relatively advanced. In this connection, here is a simplified outline of some of the laboratory tests used in the diagnosis of infections:
1. Microbial Cultures
Microbial cultures are one of the oldest techniques used to diagnose an infection. They are basically the culture of microorganisms from specimens, which may include blood, urine, sputum, stool, or wound swabs put on enriched media. Their culture is subsequently done after they have grown colonies to isolate a specific pathogen. The diagnosis of UTIs through a urinary culture diagnosis will involve identifying the causative bacteria.
2. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
PCR is a molecular amplification technology that amplifies specific DNA or RNA sequences for the determination of the existence of a pathogen. This involves the extraction of genetic material from a sample, say a blood sample or urine, followed by amplification so that the pathogen may be isolated. PCR is very sensitive to viruses like HIV and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) but also very sensitive to bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis, thereby requiring laboratory equipment and know-how.
3. Serology Tests
Serology tests detect specific antibodies or antigens in the blood to determine the presence of infections or immune status. These tests check for the specific antibodies that exist-for example, IgM and IgG-or the antigens that exist with respect to a pathogen. Serology can detect antibodies associated with viral diseases such as hepatitis or Lyme disease. Serology does not need to prove this either: whether somebody ever has been infected with or exposed to a certain pathogen with which he/she is immune; although if antibodies have not yet had time to rise, they will not increase during acute infections.
4. Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A complete blood count will provide informed information concerning the body’s health and how it will react to an infection. WBCs, RBCs, and platelets examined and scrutinized in part of blood- can signal the presence of infection if there are higher WBCs or specific alterations in the types of WBCs present. Though nonspecific for infections, this is frequently a complement to other diagnostic tests to paint an even clearer picture of patient health.
5. Immunoassays
An immunoassay is an analytical technique that employs the interaction between antibodies and antigens for the detection and quantification of proteins or pathogens in the blood, urine, or other fluids; examples are applied in various kinds of immunoassays, such as ELISA or Western blot.
6. Microscopy
Microscopy refers to the examination of specimens in a microscope with the help of its appearance to diagnose microorganisms. In this process, staining and examining some samples, such as blood, urine, and stool, are involved. This technique has practical utility for diagnosing parasitic infections as well as fungal infections.
7. Discover Advanced Laboratory Testing Now
Laboratory tests are one of the fundamental parts of diagnosis of infections as well as in the planning of treatment. As the technology advances, so will with the diagnostic techniques and their capabilities go along with their increasing potential and improve to enhance detection and treatment for the ease of effective infection control.
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