11 Summary

In this course, you have learned about the principles of bacterial isolation and identification in the veterinary clinical setting, with reference to production animal medicine. Some of these tests are routinely performed in veterinary microbiology laboratories, while other techniques are used only in reference laboratories. You have also been introduced to factors related to specimen collection, quality and handling which can positively or negatively impact testing.

You should now be able to:

• rationalise specimen collection protocols with the aim of improving the effectiveness of the bacteriology diagnostic laboratory
• evaluate how different types of specimens, and their quality and condition, may impact the performance of microbiological tests
• describe the principles of laboratory tests used to isolate and identify the bacterial pathogens on which this course focuses
• critically analyse microbiological methods used by front-line veterinary diagnostic laboratories
• know when, why and how advanced testing (e.g. by mass spectrometry, automated systems and DNA-based tests) are used
• reflect on the importance of procedures designed to ensure the quality of laboratory work relating to isolating and identifying bacteria.

Now that you have completed this course, consider the following questions:

• What is the single most important lesson that you have taken away from this course?
• How relevant is it to your work?
• Can you suggest ways in which this new knowledge can benefit your practice?

When you have reflected on these, go to your reflective blog [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]   and note down your thoughts.

When you have reflected on your answers and your progress on this course, go to your reflective blog and note down your thoughts.