Identification by Full Characterization

A combination of 16S rRNA gene and secondary gene target sequencing (if applicable), cellular fatty acid (CFA) analysis, traditional phenotypic tests, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and other tests are used to fully characterize isolates.

Pure cultures of isolate implicated in clinical illness or environmental isolates from samples collected in response to human clinical illness.

Slants or plates of any suitable media and swabs in transport media are all acceptable. Samples submitted for isolation and/or identification of strict anaerobes must be submitted under oxygen-free conditions. Pre-reduced anaerobically sterilized (PRAS)/Cary and Blair transport medium or PRAS Cooked Meat broth are acceptable.

Store samples at room temperature until shipped for testing. Ship at room temperature.

Shipping of specimens shall be done by a TDG certified individual in accordance with TDG regulations. For additional information regarding classification of specimens for the purposes of shipping, consult either Part 2 Appendix 3 of the TDG Regulations or section 3.6.2 of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as applicable.

Clinical illness with symptoms suggestive of bacterial infection. 

Completed Special Bacteriology requisition form detailing all patient information and relevant clinical information. If possible, attach lab results that have already been done at local or provincial laboratories.

All patient and strain history must be included. Enteric bacteria, Mycobacteria, common nosocomial agents (MRSA, VRE), Neisseria, and Risk Group 3 bacteria are NOT accepted by the Special Bacteriology Laboratory. Please refer to the Guide to Services for test services offered by the NML and the appropriate NML laboratory requisition forms to be used for submission of specimens. 

Results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing, secondary gene sequencing (if applicable), and CFA, are used in conjunction with phenotypic tests and any other relevant tests to identify the bacteria.

50 calendar days. In cases where staff or resources are limited, or for poor or slow growing organisms, final report may be delayed and status of request will be forwarded in a preliminary report. Final report is sent once all tests are complete.

1. Bernard, K. A., M. Bellefeuille, and E. P. Ewan. 1991. 01. Cellular fatty acid composition as an adjunct to the identification of asporogenous, aerobic gram-positive rods. J. Clin. Microbiol. 29:83-89
2. Kolbert CP, Rys PN, Hopkins M, Lynch DT, Germer JJ, O’Sullivan CE, et al. 16S ribosomal DNA sequence analysis for identification of bacteria in a clinical microbiology laboratory. In: Persing DH, Tenover FD, Versalovic J, Tang Y-W, Unger ER, Relman DA, White TJ, eds. Molecular microbiology: diagnostic principles and practice. Washington, DC: ASM Press 2004.p361–77.
3. MacFaddin, J. F. 2000. Biochemical tests for identification of medical bacteria. Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, Pa.
4. Weyant et al. 1996. Identification of unusual pathogenic Gram negative aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. 2^nd Edition. Williams & Wilkins, MD.