The Bacteriology Unit is a clinical and reference laboratory for many N.C. partners and uses:

• Classical microbiological detective work like:
  • Culturing
  • Biochemical tests
  • Microscopy
• Advanced technologies like:
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
  • Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF)
  • Whole genome sequencing

Using newer techniques, we test for drug susceptibility of organisms, like Neisseria gonorrhea.

The bacteriology laboratories include three sections:

• Special bacteriology tests for vaccine preventable communicable disease-causing organisms. This includes those causing whooping cough and pneumonia.
• Atypical bacteriology tests for unusual or difficult to identify bacteria. This includes those causing Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenza or Vibrio cholerae.
• The enteric bench examines fecal specimens for bacteria that causes common foodborne illnesses. This includes Salmonella and E. coli. 

The Mycology unit tests clinical and reference specimens to assist patient care.

We test for:

• Yeast
• Molds
• Aerobic actinomycetes

We do this by isolating and identifying medically important fungi.

The Parasitology unit tests clinical specimens to detect and identify intestinal parasites like:

• Giardia
• Cryptosporidium
• Worms

We typically do this by observing stool samples under a microscope.

The Mycobacteriology unit tests for Tuberculosis (TB).

A bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes TB. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB can attack any part of the body. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick.

This is a high-level biosafety laboratory. We support prevention and control of the spread of TB. We work to detect drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

We conduct a preliminary assessment using stains and cultures. Then we follow with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

The bacterial sexually transmitted diseases unit is a high-volume lab that tests for:

• Gonorrhea
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis

Most of this testing is automated due to high testing volumes.

Antibiotics can treat bacterial STDs but some are developing drug resistance. Newer identification methods allow providers to prescribe the most effective drugs for treatment.

The Scientific Services unit supports our testing areas.

We are responsible for:

• Preparing testing media
• Sterilizing glassware
• Decontaminating biohazardous waste