MICROBIOLOGY

Main analyses conducted at HelixLab Microbiology Laboratory:

• Culture: A method of multiplying microorganisms by allowing them to grow in controlled laboratory conditions and predetermined culture media.
• Isolation: A "pure culture" is a microorganism culture taken from a colony that is morphologically, physiologically, biochemically, and generically identical when grown. This method ensures the growth of only a single species of microorganism.
• Antibiogram: Tests used to determine antibiotics and their effective doses that can inhibit the growth or development of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Microscopic Examination: Analyses performed to identify and count microorganisms; play a critical role in determining the genus and species of microorganisms.

HelixLab Microbiology Laboratory conducts drug interaction research. These studies aim to investigate the effects that may arise from the combination of one drug with others. Main factors evaluated:

• Prevention of Resistance Development: The potential of combination drugs to prevent resistance formation in microorganisms
• Toxicity Reduction: The effect of drug interactions in minimizing possible side effects
• Broad Antimicrobial Spectrum: The capacity of combination drugs to affect a wider range of microorganism species

Studies conducted at HelixLab Microbiology Laboratory include:

• Typing: Isolated bacteria are classified and identified based on their macroscopic and microscopic properties.
• Resistance Analyses: Microorganisms can develop multiple resistance mechanisms against the same antimicrobial drug:
  • Natural Resistance: Existing resistance dependent on the organism's genetic structure
  • Acquired Resistance: Resistance mechanisms obtained subsequently
  • Environmental/Conditional Resistance: Resistance that develops depending on environment and conditions

Serological typing applied at HelixLab Microbiology Laboratory is a technique that reveals antigenic differences between microorganism species, enabling their differentiation.