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To: DakotaGator
I'm accustomed to doing the morphology, pure cultures and physiology tests to make a determinative test in the lab. Recent advances allow a test for strep throat using a DNA match in a doctor's office. The typical "shotgun" approach of most physicians is to prescribe the latest pharmaceutical product hawked by the manufacturer's rep. A few even take an extra moment to peruse the PDR in hope's of a better diagnosis.

Until an instant, foolproof method of diagnosis is developed, we had all better be actively involved in our health & well-being!

Good microbiological diagnostics are rarely instant. Correct collection of a specimen is critical. Can you remember the last time you observed a doctor collecting a sputum specimen or doing a nasopharyngeal swab? Enteric samples are especially gross. My grad school advisor tossed me an "unknown". It took 36 hours to culture and prove it was genus Arizona. Subsequent immunological tests were used to identify the species. I handed him the results in 3 days. All the results were dead on. I got a C on the lab because I didn't put the date on my results. Others screwed with their work for 3 weeks and didn't get the right answer. Suffice to say, that behavior by my advisor was petty and stupid.

My lab skills are dated at this point. I spend my days doing digital signal processing. It's every bit as fun and I don't have to smell pots of agar simmering over a Bunsen burner.

62 posted on 03/30/2008 3:38:33 PM PDT by Myrddin
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To: Myrddin
It's every bit as fun and I don't have to smell pots of agar simmering over a Bunsen burner.

LOL! Only the most cultured need apply ;-)

Seriously, physicians practicing "shotgun" medication techniques allow too many diseases too much time. It's going to bite us all in the butt one day.

66 posted on 03/30/2008 3:51:27 PM PDT by DakotaGator
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