Name of the Procedure:

Culture, Typing; Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC) or High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Method

Summary

Gas Liquid Chromatography (GLC) and High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) are laboratory techniques used to identify and analyze chemical compounds present in a sample. This is particularly useful for differentiating bacterial species in culture and typing by separating and identifying their biochemical components.

Purpose

GLC and HPLC methods are used to:

• Identify specific bacterial species from clinical samples.
• Determine the antibiotic susceptibility of certain infections.
• Provide precise biochemical typing for epidemiological studies.

Indications

• Persistent or unexplained infections.
• Identification and typing of bacteria in clinical samples.
• Patients with symptoms suggestive of specific bacterial infections that require precise typing for treatment.

Preparation

• Patients may need to refrain from antibiotics prior to sample collection to avoid interference.
• No fasting is typically required unless specified by the healthcare provider.
• Relevant clinical sample (e.g., urine, blood, or tissue swab) collected aseptically.

Procedure Description

1. Sample Collection: Appropriate clinical sample is collected aseptically.
2. Sample Preparation: Sample is prepared and purified if necessary.
3. Injection: A small amount of the sample is injected into the chromatography system.
4. Separation: In GLC, the sample is vaporized and passed through a column with a gas carrier. In HPLC, the sample is passed through a column using a liquid solvent under high pressure.
5. Detection: Separated components are detected and quantified using various detectors (e.g., mass spectrometry).
6. Analysis: Data is analyzed to identify the specific chemical compounds and bacterial species.

Duration

The procedure typically takes a few hours to complete, though preparation and analysis times may vary.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a specialized laboratory setting.

Personnel

• Clinical Laboratory Scientist or Technician
• Lab Supervisor (Quality Control)
• Pathologist (Review and interpretation, if needed)

Risks and Complications

• Minimal risk associated with sample collection (e.g., discomfort during blood draw).
• Potential for sample contamination affecting results.
• Rare technical errors or equipment malfunction might delay results.

Benefits

• Accurate identification and typing of bacteria for effective treatment.
• Rapid and precise results compared to traditional microbiological methods.

Recovery

• No physical recovery required as the procedure involves lab analysis of clinical samples.
• Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results and subsequent treatment plans.

Alternatives

• Traditional Culture and Sensitivity Testing
  • Pros: Widely available, comprehensive.
  • Cons: Longer turnaround time, less precise.
• Molecular Methods (e.g., PCR)
  • Pros: Very rapid, capable of detecting small quantities of genetic material.
  • Cons: More specific and may not identify all bacterial types.

Patient Experience

• Minimal to no discomfort from the actual chromatography procedure itself.
• May experience mild discomfort during sample collection (e.g., blood draw).
• No need for pain management as the patient is not actively involved in the lab-based process.

Overall, GLC and HPLC offer advanced, accurate methods for bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility typing, thus aiding in the delivery of targeted and effective treatments.