Microbiology

Importance of the Microbiology Unit

Provides clinical and reference microbiological testing for public and private laboratories, as well as for associated partners.
Provides culture and identification of microbial organisms that cause outbreaks of foodborne and other diarrheal diseases. Affected groups include daycare centers, church groups, state fair attendees and other citizens across the state.
Conducts testing to prevent and/or control the spread of tuberculosis with attention focused on detection of multi-drug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Performs testing to identify organisms causing diseases such as whooping cough (pertussis), legionellosis, gonorrhea, meningitis, influenza and other communicable diseases.

Testing Areas	Description	2018 Testing Totals
Special Bacteriology	Identification of several vaccine-preventable disease organisms such as Bordetella pertussis (whooping cough), Corynebacteria (diphtheria), Legionella and Staphylococci.	5,419
Bacteriology-Enterics	Examination of fecal specimens for the presence of enteric pathogens including Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Yersinia and Escherichia coli (E.coli); instrumental in state fair and other outbreaks.	40,973
Atypical Bacteriology	Identification of unusual or difficult to identify bacteria including Neisseria, Haemophilus influenza serotyping and Vibrio cholera serotyping.	31,619
Parasitology	Examination of specimens for the presence of human parasites; supports refugee program.	1,382
Mycology	Isolation and identification of medically important fungi from body tissues and fluids.	3,089
Mycobacteriology	Isolation and identification of mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).	9,920
Scientific Services	Support to lab testing areas; responsible for preparation of test media, clean glassware, and decontamination.	N/A

For additional information, contact:

Tom Lawson
Microbiology
4312 District Dr.
Raleigh, N.C. 27607
Phone: 919-807-8803

Updated: June 4, 2020