Bacterial Tests

Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) DNA-based method specifically for testing Legionella pneumophila in water samples that has the advantage of much greater sensitivity coupled with the potential to provide results in as little as 24 hrs after submission to the lab. The method involves DNA extraction and DNA testing by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). This […]

Bacteroides is a genus of gram-negative, obligate anaerobes that live symbiotically within mammalian gastrointestinal tracts. Species of Bacteroides are present in huge quantities in human feces and do not persist for very long outside of the gut. Their relationship with the guts of different mammalian hosts is so well defined, you can determine the type […]

Exposure to semisynthetic and synthetic metalworking fluids (MWF) has been associated with work-related asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis and dermatitis. Exposure to microbial contaminants in MWFs appears to be a key factor in the etiology of these diseases in machinists. Recently released occupational exposure limits to MWFs are based on aerosol concentrations determined by gravimetric measurements that […]

Endotoxin is a lipopolysaccharide found in the cell membranes of Gram-negative bacteria. Endotoxin is a strongly proinflammatory material because of its interactions with receptors that stimulate the innate immune system. Exposure to endotoxin will initiate a strong inflammatory response in anyone and does not require allergic sensitization or individual sensitivity. Inhalation exposure to endotoxin is […]

This test provides a low-level identification of a single bacterial isolate by sequencing of portions of the 16S ribosomal small subunit gene region. DNA-based sequence identification is the gold-standard for microbial identification, since it is capable of identifying rare or atypical isolates of bacteria irrespective of their responses to diagnostic culture media or biochemical tests. […]