In our previous article titled " Sources and management of hospital acquired infections", we have discussed the causative agents and management of hospital acquired infection or nosocomial infection. In this article, we will focus on the major laboratory test for identifying the causative agent involved in nosocomial infection. Laboratory investigations should be decided upon the results of a detailed physical examination and review of systems.
Distinguishing pathogens from non-pathogenic bacteria as obtained in a blood or fluid culture should be critical in diagnosis. Therefore, one should be cautious while interpreting laboratory results. Consider the following to clinically correlate the finding: Clinical presentation of the patient Reason for obtaining the test The process by which the specimen was obtained (eg, a urine culture obtained through a newly placed Foley catheter is…
