There are several types of laboratory investigations commonly used in epidemiology:
1. Microbiological Tests: These involve the identification of infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites through culture, staining, and molecular techniques. 2. Serological Tests: These tests detect antibodies or antigens in blood samples to identify past or present infections. 3. Molecular Diagnostics: Techniques like PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) are used to detect the genetic material of pathogens, providing highly specific and sensitive results. 4. Biochemical Tests: These tests measure the levels of various chemicals in bodily fluids to detect metabolic disorders or monitor disease progression. 5. Toxicological Tests: These tests identify the presence of toxic substances in the body that may be responsible for disease.
