What Techniques Are Commonly Used in Epidemiological Laboratories?
Epidemiological laboratories employ a variety of techniques to identify and study pathogens:
Microbial Culture: Growing microorganisms in controlled environments to identify and study them. Serology: Detecting antibodies in blood samples to determine if an individual has been exposed to a particular pathogen. Molecular Techniques: Methods like PCR and sequencing to detect and analyze genetic material from pathogens. Immunoassays: Using antibodies to detect specific proteins or antigens associated with pathogens. Bioinformatics: Analyzing biological data, especially genetic sequences, to understand pathogen dynamics and evolution.
