This beginner's textbook introduces diagnostic microbiology, the microorganisms commonly encountered in clinical settings, and basic laboratory procedures. It covers the infectious process; safety; specimen collection, transport, and processing; microscopy, staining, and traditional methods of examination; automation, immunodiagnostics, and molecular methods; antimicrobial susceptibility testing; various bacteria, their isolation, identification, clinical relevance, and treatment; virology; medical mycology and parasitology; and clinical specimens. It incorporates content required in the Medical Laboratory Technician curriculum and American Society for Clinical Pathology Medical Laboratory Technician certification exam. Annotation ©2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)