Title: Describe basic identification techniques used to differentiate bacteria.
Course: Medical Laboratory Technology II (14102-II) > Section: Performing Basic Microbiology Skills

Description should include basic techniques used to differentiate bacteria, such as the techniques of

- Gram stain morphology (differentiates between gram-positive cocci and gram-negative rods)
- catalase (differentiates between Staphylococcus and Streptococcus)
- coagulase (differentiates between Staphylococcus aureus and other species of Staphylococcus)
- indole (differentiates between E. coli and other gram-negative organisms).

Description may include performing rapid identification tests.

Process/Skill Questions:

- How could Gram stain morphology be useful in diagnosing an infection with Staphylococcus vs. E. coli?
- How is the catalase test useful in differentiating between Staphylococcus and Streptococcus?
- Which gram-positive cocci is catalase- and coagulase-positive? Why is this important to know?
- What is the significance of a positive indole when identifying E. coli vs. other gram-negative rods?