Laboratory role in the management of hospital acquired infections.

The microbiology laboratory has many important roles. It must collaborate with the infection control team on the investigations of outbreaks. During outbreaks, it must save relevant samples, look for reservoirs and undertake typing techniques, all of which should be timely. New technology should be available to detect, identify and characterize micro-organisms. Molecular biological techniques have enhanced the speed and sensitivity of detection methods and have allowed the laboratory to identify organisms that do not grow or grow slowly in culture. Molecular techniques also enable the microbiologist to identify antibiotic resistance genes and to 'fingerprint' hospital organisms, thereby facilitating studies of nosocomial transmission.