This three-volume handbook provides step-by-step descriptions of clinical procedures for the detection, identification, and characterization of microorganisms involved in human infections. The first volume details procedure coding, reimbursement, and billing compliance; specimen collection, transport, and acceptability; and aerobic and anaerobic bacteriology. The second volume covers antimicrobial susceptibility testing, aerobic actinomycetes, mycobacteriology and antimycobacterial susceptibility testing, mycology and antifungal susceptibility testing, parasitology, and viruses and chlamydiae, while the third addresses procedures in immunology; molecular diagnostics; epidemiologic and infection control microbiology; quality assurance and control, laboratory records, and water quality; biohazards and safety; and bioterrorism. Each procedure includes preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical considerations like quality control and reporting results; lists of materials; information on specimen collection, transport, and handling; advice on interpretation; and discussion of limitations. This edition revises and updates all sections. Contributors are pathologists, microbiologists, infectious disease specialists, and others from North America, Europe, South Africa, and Australia. Annotation ©2016 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)