Microbiology Testing

Serious bacterial infection is a complication of diabetes. Approximately three-quarters of all diabetic patients suffer from mild to severe peripheral nerve damage, leading to impaired sensation in the feet. Patients often develop wounds on their lower extremities, which may go undetected for a period of time. Infections in this patient population can be difficult to treat and may eventually lead to amputation of the affected digit or limb. Therefore, time is critical. We utilize state-of-the-art susceptibility platforms as well as Mass Spectrometry for organism identification, allowing us to result bacterial cultures in as little as 36 hours.

Yeast and fungal infections are a different matter. Fungal cultures are analyzed weekly for growth. We have processed over 50,000 fungal cultures this year to date, and of these, approximately 80% are positive. Mass Spectrometry combined with microscopic examination allow us to rapidly identify dermatophytes, saprophytes and yeast which are commonly associated with nail and skin infections.