Microbiology labs are to the medical process. Physicians and technicians rely on
ICP-MS tests to detect trace elements in the plasma in the blood, test for eye cultures and sensitivity, check nasal swabs, check for STDs such as Chlamydia, and more.
In essence, microbiology labs are the critical eyes that your physician cannot see but needs to know to detect what kind of disease you might have.
ICP-MS tests, for example, are critical because many diseases need just trace elements in the human body to cause health problems, and only through an ICP-MS test can they be detected.
Tools of the trade
Microbiology labs use a number of tools to assist physicians in detecting disease.
Besides ICP-MS tests, they use antibiotic discs to detect the presence of bacteria, antisera kits to detect the presence of E.Coli, salmonella, and influenza to name just a few.
Human waste products such as urine, rectal waste and spittle, throat swabs, and semen often give doctors vital clues to what is going on with a patient, and the more a doctor knows of the underlying causes, the quicker he or she can prescribe medication as a cure.
The five reasons for lab tests
There are five general reasons a physician will order a lab test.
- To rule out diseases
- To confirm a diagnosis and to help the physician describe medication
- To reassure patients concerned about a disease such as COVID-19
- To monitor the progression of a disease such as high blood pressure or diabetes
- Miscellaneous reasons
Ultimately, although they do not have the title MD behind their name, your friendly lab technician is a physician's and your best friend.
They help your doctor pinpoint exactly what is wrong in ways that taking your pulse or listening to your heard can never ultimately help diagnose.