The Microbiology Bench Companion is an indispensable resource for hospital and public health microbiology laboratories. This user-friendly volume aids professionals with daily decisions and assists them in preparing organism reports and consults that are required of the clinical microbiology laboratory. By providing accessible and up-to-date information, interpretations, and even some trivia, this compendium walks professionals through the process of identification of the likely etiologic agents of many infectious diseases. Once a microbe is identified, the book offers a brief description of the organism and its unique features, indicates which antimicrobials are useful, and informs the laboratorian of the treatment options available to the physician.

The Bench Companion will be especially useful in facilities that do not have a specialist available for consultation. This important resource will be as useful to clinicians and nurses as it is to laboratory professionals. The Companion is like having a microbiology specialist on hand. Additionally, the book provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of the clinical microbiology laboratory and insights into the minds of specialists who serve all patient populations. The Bench Companion is a straightforward reference that will be used by technologists, nurses, and physicians to assist in 'decoding' the organism puzzles that are continually reported.
Key Features



Serves as an easy access resource that will assist laboratorians in identifying infectious agents
Presents unique identifying features of infectious agents and observations on unusual organisms
Facilitates a rapid response to client questions regarding organisms and helps the laboratorian understand the therapy options available to the physician
Offers guidance for the completion of informative reports and documentation of answers
Provides easy access to identification algorithms from many authorities
Supplies technologists with correct information for accurate identification
Complements perfectly the earlier publication A Guide to Specimen Management, 2nd Edition
Contents
Section 1. Decisions at the Bench

Section 2. Infectious Disease Etiology

Section 3. Communicating the Results