Clinical Microbiology · stage 3 of 5

What the microscope shows

A direct smear is often the first and fastest answer microbiology gives. By the end of this stage you can prepare and stain a readable slide, grade and record what is genuinely there, and tell a real finding apart from something the stain or the processing put there.

Work through these in order

1. 1Making a slide that can actually be readPreparation and Testing CM-PT-10
2. 2Staining smears so morphology and reaction are readablePreparation and Testing CM-PT-3
3. 3Judging stain quality before a slide is readQuality Assurance CM-QA-10
4. 4Recognising the microscopic elements that matter in a specimenPreparation and Testing CM-PT-4
5. 5Reading the cellular and non-cellular background of a preparationPreparation and Testing CM-PT-22
6. 6Grading what is seen down the microscopePreparation and Testing CM-PT-26
7. 7Microscopic examination of urine in the microbiology laboratoryPreparation and Testing CM-PT-38
8. 8Separating genuine findings from stain and processing artefactsEvaluation and Interpretation CM-EI-2
9. 9Documenting observations at every stage of testingReporting and Communication CM-RC-2
10. 10Producing microscope images others can rely onEquipment and Resources CM-ER-3
11. 11Assessing microbiology images viewed on a screenEvaluation and Interpretation CM-EI-5

This reading order is MLTPrep’s own. To browse the same material filed against the competency areas instead, go back to the Clinical Microbiology study guide.

MLTPrep is an independent study resource. Not affiliated with or endorsed by CAMLPR. Always confirm current requirements with CAMLPR directly.