Series of Theoretical–Practical Workshops on Sample Processing at the Bacteriology Laboratory of Hospital Escuela – Workshop 1, February – March 2025
Introduction
The Clinical Pathology Center (CPC), a national reference institution committed to excellence in medical care and clinical diagnostics, promotes this initiative as part of its mission to provide high-quality diagnostic services, foster research, and encourage continuous education. In collaboration with the Infectious Diseases Service, the Department of Internal Medicine, the Clinical Laboratory Department of Hospital Escuela, and the Institute of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases Antonio Vidal, and within the framework of The Global Health Network Latin America and the Caribbean (TGHN LAC) Consortium, a theoretical–practical workshop has been launched to update clinical laboratory staff in applied clinical microbiology. In its second year, this joint initiative seeks to strengthen the diagnostic capacities of the Bacteriology Laboratory at Hospital Escuela, reinforcing the foundation for infectious-disease research and supporting evidence-based clinical decision-making.
General Objective
To review, through theoretical and practical sessions, the procedures for processing clinical samples in the Bacteriology Laboratory of Hospital Escuela, applying updated criteria for pathogen identification and antimicrobial-resistance analysis.
Expected Results
This workshop aims to generate a positive change in the diagnostic capacity of Hospital Escuela through continuous training of technical personnel, systematization of processes, and constant analysis of microbiological data. Likewise, it seeks to foster teamwork, active participation, and a commitment to quality in clinical diagnostics.
📅 Duration: February – October 2025
📍 Modality: In-person
🏥 Participating Institutions: Clinical Pathology Center (CPC), Hospital Escuela, and Antonio Vidal Institute
⏰ Session Schedule: Fridays, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (every two weeks)
Workshop Components
🔬 1. Sample Processing Guide: Organized by systems and organs, this component addresses the diagnostic approach for different types of infections, including urinary, respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, nervous system, and genital infections, among others. It includes specific instructions for the handling and culture of various sample types such as blood, sterile fluids, urine, medical devices, and exudates.
📁 2. Clinical Case Presentations: Participants are encouraged to actively present real cases with clinical, microbiological, and therapeutic discussions. Each presentation includes the clinical history, laboratory findings, patient evolution, and diagnostic considerations.
👥 3. Supervision Visits to the Bacteriology Laboratory: With the participation of the CPC team, regular visits are carried out to observe, evaluate, and accompany the processes developed in the laboratory, aiming to identify opportunities for improvement and strengthen good practices.
📝 4. Final Project: Participants will prepare an analytical report on the cultures performed over six months (March to August or April to September). The report will analyze frequencies by sample type, culture results, isolated species, and antimicrobial resistance patterns.
Resources
Workshop participants will have access to the following learning and support resources:
- 🌐 Platform The Global Health Network
- 🌍 The Global Health Network Latin America and the Caribbean
- 🦠 Thematic resource: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
- 📘 Printed didactic materials covering all workshop topics
- 📝 Attendance list
- 📜 Certificate of Participation (for those completing the workshop requirements)
Workshop 1. Urinary Tract Infections
February 2025
- First Workshop Session: Group organization and initial discussion on urine sample processing (February 14, 2025).
During the first session, participants were organized into working groups and assigned topics to be covered throughout the workshop, segmented by system and sample type. The methodological structure of the workshop was presented, consisting of a sample-processing guide, clinical case presentations, and supervision visits to the Bacteriology Laboratory.
As an introduction, key aspects of urine sample processing were discussed. The session covered the main etiologic agents of urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Proteus spp., and emphasized the importance of correctly interpreting bacterial growth while considering normal urogenital microbiota.
Microbiological criteria for reporting significant cultures, bacterial load thresholds (CFU/ml) by sample type, and the use of different culture media such as blood agar, MacConkey, EMB, and chocolate agar were also reviewed. The need for proper sample collection and, when clinically indicated, extended incubation up to 48 hours was emphasized.
Dr. Carlos Javier Zepeda giving opening remarks and general guidelines for the workshop delivered by the Clinical Pathology Center (CPC).
March 2025
1.1 Second Workshop Session: Technical visit and review of the form to standardize the reception of bacteriological samples (March 7, 2025).
The CPC team conducted a technical visit to the Bacteriology Laboratory of Hospital Escuela to observe workflows, identify good practices, and detect improvement opportunities. A collaborative meeting was held with the technical staff to review a proposed form for the reception of bacteriological samples, aimed at standardizing the process of sample entry and registration to ensure traceability, accuracy, and efficiency in microbiological culture management.
- Improve quality control in microbiological diagnosis.
- Strengthen the management and analysis of clinical and microbiological data.
- Support more accurate clinical decision-making based on reliable microbiological evidence.
Dr. Marcela Aguilar and Dr. Carlos Javier with the Bacteriology Laboratory team reviewing the sample reception form.
1.2 Third Workshop Session: Clinical case discussion and approach to exudate and soft-tissue samples (March 28, 2025).
The session began with the discussion of a clinical case of urinary tract infection in a patient with chronic kidney disease and type II diabetes mellitus. This analysis contextualized diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in patients with multiple comorbidities, highlighting the importance of correct sampling and processing for accurate diagnosis.
The technical session, led by the CPC team, focused on processing exudate, wound, abscess, and soft-tissue samples. Topics included:
- Selection and collection of appropriate clinical samples.
- Evaluation through direct Gram staining.
- Culture media and incubation for aerobic and anaerobic isolates.
- Criteria for analyzing and interpreting mixed cultures.
Dr. Marcela Aguilar leading the clinical case discussion on urinary tract infection.
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