Microbiology
The UCD Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory provides a comprehensive bacteriological testing service. In addition, we test for fungal pathogens and provide presumptive identification of these organisms. Selected virological tests are available.
Microbiological testing methodologies have recently been expanded and upgraded. From March 2015, we have been using the VITEK 2 Compact System (BioMérieux). This investment means that our bacteriological testing procedures are among the most rapid and advanced in Irish veterinary diagnostic laboratories. The system can both rapidly identify bacterial organisms and provide quantitative results [minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC)] for antibiotic therapy. Once the organism has been isolated and is available for testing, identification of pathogens can be completed in as little as two hours. Previously, identification and susceptibility testing required overnight incubation, i.e. a further 18 hours following isolation. In addition, the availability of the MIC values allows the clinician to more accurately select the most appropriate antimicrobial compared with using simple ‘susceptible’ or ‘resistant’ data provided by disk diffusion methods.
The VITEK Information Guide explains the interpretation of VITEK reports.
Click here for further information on the VITEK system.
Contact Information for Microbiology Laboratory: (01) 7166173 / Email: ucdvetlab@ucd.ie
Bacteriology/Mycology Sample Submission
The following information deals with the safe submission, receipt and processing of specimens sent to the Diagnostic Bacteriology and Mycology Laboratory. Samples are sent from a variety of internal and external sources, and it is imperative that they are handled in a safe manner to ensure limitation of risks to operating staff, in addition to ensuring sample preservation.
Packaging & Labelling Your Sample(s):
- Important: Please adhere to packaging guidelines as described in the UCD Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory 2023 Catalogue
- No visible sign of external contamination of the sample container should be evident
- All samples should be labelled as to the origin of specimen
- All patients should be off antimicrobial therapy for 3 days at least, if possible, for culture of samples to be of use
- Important: All bacteriology/mycology samples should be addressed as follows: Bacteriology/Mycology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, UCD, Belfield, Dublin 4
Sample Containers:
- All swabs should be submitted using charcoal transport media swabs, if possible
- Urine should be submitted in sterile universal containers as soon as possible. Catheterised or samples taken by cystocentesis are less likely to be contaminated
- Faecal samples should be submitted in screw capped sterile containers
- Body fluids / aspirates should be submitted in sterile screw capped plain tubes, without delay
- Contact the Laboratory when considering request for blood cultures, as special culture bottles must be used