Bacteriology

The Microbiology service examines swabs, pus, body fluids, sputum, faeces and urine for the presence of infection and disease causing bacteria.

Through association with other laboratories it is able to offer a comprehensive service.

Antimicrobial Therapy and Clinical Consultation

When a conclusive microbiological diagnosis has been reached, optimum therapeutic regimens are reported when necessary. They will be reported as:

S - Susceptible, standard dosing regimen: A microorganism is categorised as Susceptible, standard dosing regimen*, when there is a high likelihood of therapeutic success using a standard dosing regimen of the agent

I – Susceptible, increased exposure: A microorganism is categorised as Susceptible, Increased exposure* when there is a high likelihood of therapeutic success because exposure to the agent is increased by adjusting the dosing regimen or by its concentration at the site of infection.

R - Resistant: A microorganism is categorised as Resistant when there is a high likelihood of therapeutic failure even when there is increased exposure*

* Exposure is a function of how the mode of administration, dose, dosing interval, infusion time, as well as distribution, metabolism and excretion of the antimicrobial agent will influence the infecting organism at the site of infection.

The following empirical (blind / provisional) prescribing regimens can be found in the Wirral Prescribers’ Guide and The Chester Joint Formulary

(a)     for patients with severe sepsis and

(b)     when the microbiological diagnosis is inconclusive