Diagnostic modalities for infectious diseases

The role of the microbiology laboratory is essential to successful provision of patient care. Obtaining appropriate laboratory data allows clinicians the best opportunity to arrive at a definitive diagnosis in a timely manner, eliminates the need for further tests, and can offer specific treatment approaches with maximal potential for success. This article discusses the laboratory procedures useful for diagnosis of oral or maxillofacial infections, including collection and transport of microbial specimens, representative techniques and methods available for culture and diagnostic assays, diagnostic laboratory principles for specific types of microbial etiologies, antimicrobial sensitivity, quality control issues, and evaluation of reported findings.