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Clinical Microbiology: Specimen Handling, Culture Basics, Antimicrobial Susceptibility, and Contamination Prevention
This course reviews the clinical microbiology testing process from specimen collection through final reporting. Topics include specimen handling, transport, microscopy, staining, culture media, inoculation, incubation, microorganism identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, contamination prevention, biosafety, quality practices, documentation, and communication.
Participants will examine how specimen quality, culture conditions, testing errors, contamination, and result interpretation can affect the accuracy and clinical usefulness of microbiology findings.
Course Objectives
• Describe the purpose and major steps of clinical microbiology testing.
• Identify appropriate specimen collection, labeling, transport, storage, acceptance, and rejection practices.
• Explain the basic principles of microscopy, staining, culture media, inoculation, incubation, and organism isolation.
• Describe common methods used to identify microorganisms and report preliminary findings.
• Explain the basic purpose and interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Recognize common sources of contamination, exposure, and testing error.
• Describe the importance of biosafety, quality control, documentation, and communication in clinical microbiology.
Information
- Relevance: This course is designed for clinical laboratory directors, supervisors, technologists, technicians, public health laboratory personnel, nurses, point of care testing staff, and other healthcare professionals involved in microbiology specimens, cultures, testing, quality control, or result reporting. The course supports accurate specimen handling, reliable culture and susceptibility testing, contamination prevention, safe laboratory practices, and clear communication of microbiology results.
- Content Level: Intermediate
- Course Format: This course is offered as a self-paced distance learning format (reading-based online activity)
- System Requirements: This course is offered online. Internet connection required.
- Course Completion Information: To earn continuing education credit, professionals must register and pay the fee for the course. They must read the content and demonstrate understanding by earning a minimum score of 70 percent on testing materials. The certificate of completion will be able to be downloaded after the above is completed. Refunds will be granted upon request with the withdrawal of credit for the course. For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please call 866-863-4225 or email ContactUs@BaysideCEU.com.
- CEBroker Course ID: 1391529
- Credit Hours: 2
- Last Updated: July 19, 2026