A microbiology lab identifies Gram-negative diplococci in a urethral smear from a symptomatic male. What is the next best confirmatory step?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: PCR for Neisseria gonorrhoeae
PCR is sensitive and specific for N. gonorrhoeae and is widely used for confirmation. Culture is less sensitive but still possible.
Keep practicing
More Microbial diagnostics questions
- A patient presents with fever, rash, and a history of tick exposure. What test is most appropriate for early detection of rickettsial infec…
- A fungal infection is suspected in a patient with chronic cough and cavitary lung lesions. What diagnostic test best identifies fungal cell…
- A patient has profuse watery diarrhea after antibiotic use. Stool ELISA for toxins A and B is negative. Which next test is most appropriate?
- A patient with a bull’s-eye rash is suspected of having Lyme disease. What is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test?
- A bronchoalveolar lavage from a patient with suspected Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is analyzed. Which stain best identifies the organi…
- A blood sample from a patient with suspected malaria is collected. What is the gold standard diagnostic test?