jjc3 at LEHIGH.EDU wrote:
> I teach a laboratory class in bacteriology for undergraduates. Near the
> end of the class, I have them doing identifications of bacterial unknowns
> using the standard "traditional" methods that we all learned. After they
> were done with their initial identifications last year, I had them use the
> Biolog plate system to do quick re-identifications using modern laboratory
> methods along with computer analysis. My problem is that I was very unhappy
> with the Biolog system; it was unable to clearly identify some bacterial
> strains that the students named easily using the older morpho/physiological
> methods. My question is: does anyone have any recommendations for more
> accurate test systems that I can have my students perform for bacterial
> identification?
> Does any company make anything more accurate then Biolog plates or is that
> the height of technology?
If you're just trying to identify common medically important bacteria,
API systems are quite good. Easy to use and provide students with some
classical microbiology 'tube' reactions to read. Much more informative
than the current automated systems. They may be a bit expensive though
for your university needs.
Regards
Gary
--
********************************************************
Dr Gary Lum
Director of Microbiology and A/Director of Pathology
Royal Darwin Hospital
Microbiologists do it with culture and sensitivity
Meet me at http://www.ozemail.com.au/~glum/index.html
E-mail me at mailto:glum at ozemail.com.au,gary.lum at nt.gov.au
