Who is clinical microbiologist

This might be a bacterium e. MRSA , a fungus e. Once the cause of the infection has been identified — and often before — the microbiologist gives advice about how to treat it. Medical microbiologists also play a key role in making sure antibiotics are prescribed and used appropriately, by advising on patient management and producing treatment guidelines for a variety of conditions.

They do this partly to minimise the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. They also promote measures to prevent and control the spread of diseases — both in hospitals and among the general public.

Performs HIV-1 antibody encyme immunoassays, syphilis serology, and cultures for Trichomonas vaginalis. Receives specimens for the isolation and identification of acid-fast organisms including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium complex, and other important mycobacterial pathogens.

Utilizes state-of-the-art methods to detect growth and to confirm the identities of isolates, including the use of chemiluminescent ribosomal RNA probes for species identification. Jo-Ann Curry, B. Kathy Ristow, M. Clinical Microbiology. ASCP certification optional. Completion of an accredited MLS program. ASCP certification. Completion of at least 6 months training in a clinical or public health laboratory. Certification as clinical microbiologist recognized by public health, but not mandatory for most laboratories.

Requirements vary by state and by type of public health microbiology testing being performed. Applications particularly those to larger employers should be made early in the academic year.

A postgraduate qualification, research work, hospital laboratory placements and paid or voluntary experience gained using relevant scientific and analytical techniques can be beneficial. Microbiology placements of up to ten weeks in duration are available for students and recent graduates via the Society for Applied Microbiology's 'students into work' scheme. Read our article on scientific postgraduate study to explore your different options. The application process for the STP typically starts in January.

Scotland has separate training schemes, which also involve a three year STP or an equivalent programme. Clinical microbiologist: job description Clinical microbiologists undertake scientific research into microorganisms with the aim of identifying new ways of diagnosing, treating and preventing infectious diseases.

Typical employers Qualifications and training Key skills Clinical microbiologists study microorganisms that cause infections and diseases. Typical tasks include: identifying fungal, parasitic, viral and bacterial infections testing the strength and virulence of microbes using a variety of biochemical and molecular methods to determine organisms that cause infection collaborating and liaising with healthcare professionals and industrial or clinical colleagues recording, analysing and interpreting data writing research papers, reports and reviews undertaking work aimed at helping to prevent the spread of infections within hospitals carrying out research into specific diseases managing laboratories supervising biomedical scientists Typical employers of clinical microbiologists Pathology departments Diagnostic laboratories Medical schools Hospitals Public Health England NHS Blood and Transplant Private laboratories Water and waste management companies Food and drink manufacturers Vacancies attract strong competition.

The recruitment process is likely to involve a technical interview. Read our article on technical interviews to find out what these involve and how you can tackle them.