Once an organism has been isolated by culture, it must be identified. Non-nucleic acid–based identification methods use phenotypic (functional or morphologic) characteristics of organisms rather than genetic identification.

Characteristics of an organism's growth on culture media, such as colony size, color, and shape, provide clues to species identification and, combined with Gram stain, direct further testing. Numerous biochemical tests are available; each is restricted to organisms of a certain type (eg, aerobic or anaerobic bacteria). Some assess an organism's ability to use different substrates for growth. Others assess presence or activity of key enzymes (eg, coagulase, catalase). Tests are done sequentially, with previous results determining the next test to be used. The sequences of tests are myriad and differ somewhat among laboratories.

Non-nucleic acid–based identification tests may involve manual methods, automated systems, or chromatographic methods. Some commercially available kits contain a battery of individual tests that may be done simultaneously using a single inoculum of a microorganism and may be useful for a wider range of organisms. Multiple test systems can be highly accurate but may require several days to yield results.

Chromatographic methods: Microbial components or products are separated and identified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography. Usually, identification is by comparison of an organism's fatty acids to a database. Chromatographic methods can be used to identify aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, mycobacteria, and fungi. Test accuracy depends on the conditions used to culture the specimen and the quality of the database, which may be inaccurate or incomplete.

Mass spectroscopy: Mass spectrometry can detect various proteins of different masses in a specimen. Specific pathogens have unique proteins, and the relative mass and abundance of each protein can sometimes be used to identify a microorganism. The advantage of this method is that microorganisms can be identified in less than an hour (vs traditional methods, which may require 24 to 48 h). Currently, a form of mass spectrometry called matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) has been used to identify bacteria (including mycobacteria), yeasts, and molds.

Last full review/revision February 2013 by Kevin C. Hazen, PhD

Content last modified March 2013