Tru-Cut Biopsy (Core Needle Biopsy): Introduction, Procedure, Application, and Keynotes

Introduction A Tru-cut biopsy, also known as a core needle biopsy (CNB), is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to extract a small, solid cylinder (core) of tissue from a suspicious mass. Unlike Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), which only collects individual cells, a Tru-cut biopsy …

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Glass Beads in TB Lab: Introduction, Function, Uses, and Keynotes

Sterile glass beads used for sample homogenization and bacterial culture preservation in a TB laboratory

Introduction to Glass Beads In a Tuberculosis (TB) laboratory, glass beads are essential tools primarily used to homogenize thick clinical samples and preserve live bacterial cultures. Their chemical inertness and durability make them ideal for handling the highly infectious and lipid-rich Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).  Glass beads are …

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SIRE Supplement: Introduction, Composition and Function, Uses, and Keynotes

A 20 ml vial of BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960 SIRE supplement, designed for drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Introduction The BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960 SIRE Supplement is an essential enrichment used specifically for drug susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the BD BACTEC™ MGIT™ automated system.  The SIRE supplement is part of the MGIT™ 960 SIRE Kit. It is added to MGIT™ tubes along with specific first-line anti-TB drugs …

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Multiplex Real-Time PCR in Infectious Disease Diagnostics: A New Era of Rapid and Comprehensive Detection

The increasing burden of infectious diseases demands diagnostic solutions that are not only rapid but also highly sensitive and comprehensive. Conventional diagnostic methods often fall short due to time delays and limited pathogen coverage. In this context, multiplex real-time PCR technologies are revolutionizing infectious disease …

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Yeast Identification by MALDI-TOF (VITEK): Introduction, Principle, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Yeast Identification by MALDI-TOF (VITEK): Introduction, Principle, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Introduction Yeasts, especially Candida species, are among the most important causes of opportunistic fungal infections in humans. Accurate and rapid identification is crucial for guiding antifungal therapy and improving patient outcomes. Traditional phenotypic methods are time-consuming and often misidentify cryptic species. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight …

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Multiplex PCR assay-Directly on Respiratory samples:Introduction, Principle, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Introduction Respiratory tract infections are caused by a wide range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Conventional diagnostic methods such as culture, microscopy, and antigen detection are time-consuming and often lack sensitivity. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, applied directly to respiratory samples (sputum, …

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Mold Identification by MALDI-TOF (BRUKER)-Introduction, Principle, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Introduction Accurate and timely identification of molds is essential for clinical microbiology, especially in cases of invasive fungal infections caused by Aspergillus, Fusarium, Scedosporium, Mucorales, and other filamentous fungi. Traditional methods based on morphology and phenotypic characteristics are slow, require expertise, and may misidentify cryptic …

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Fungal Identification by Artificial Intelligence (AI): Introduction, Working Mechanisms, Clinical Significance, and Keynotes

Yeast and mold growth on SDA agar

Introduction Fungal infections represent a growing concern in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent individuals. Conventional identification methods, including culture, microscopy, and biochemical testing, often require several days and may lack sensitivity or specificity for certain opportunistic fungi. Molecular techniques such as PCR and sequencing have improved …

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