5 Fundamentals of quality control for isolating and identifying bacteria

In a clinical microbiology laboratory several factors can affect the accuracy and reliability of test results. Quality control (QC) measures are therefore put in place to monitor whether tests perform as expected and do so reliably. You will learn more about QC and other Quality procedures in the Quality assurance and AMR surveillance module.

Activity 14: QC in clinical microbiology laboratories

Timing: Allow 5 minutes

Think about what you have learned in this module. Why is QC important when identifying pathogens from clinical samples?

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Discussion

QC ensures the following:

  • You can actually grow the organisms you’re looking for.
  • Selective media are inhibiting the appropriate organisms and allowing the growth of others.
  • You are identifying organisms correctly.
  • Your media and test reagents are working correctly, for example if they have deteriorated during storage or there is something wrong with what the manufacturer has supplied, the QC tests will pick this up.
  • You are performing the tests under optimal conditions, for example the incubator is at the right temperature.
  • Organisms are correctly identified before AST, which is species-specific, is performed.
  • The results from the laboratory can be relied on as accurate for both clinical and surveillance use.
  • Ultimately patients get better treatment as a result of timely and accurate diagnosis.

4.3.4 Neisseria gonorrhoeae

6 Identifying pathogens in your workplace