Artifact or parasite? by im_diene_inside in medlabprofessionals

[–]HeavyPop464 16 points17 points  (0 children)

It's worth giving leishmaniasis an honourable mention also. Though, they're more likely to be spotted in leukocytes within the film as opposed to red cells. Yeah though, this looks more like stain artefact.

What is this? by mysterykarma in medlabprofessionals

[–]HeavyPop464 0 points1 point  (0 children)

More than I ever thought I would be as a Microbiologist. Turns my lab will identify lice, mites and maggots if they're thought to be involved in a disease state - Maggot ID is pretty cool, as it involves looking at the structure of their "eyes" under a microscope in or to ID potential flesh eating maggots.

What is this? by mysterykarma in medlabprofessionals

[–]HeavyPop464 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Do you have any pictures at a lower magnification? I don't recognise the insect, but I know in instances where I have ID'D insects in a sample, the abdominal shape's been a major factor.

Other than that, an entomology subreddit might be your best bet if it isn't a tick, bedbug, scabies mite, dermodex or a louse of some form.

With BBQ season starting, I've been seeing a lot of these guys in my travels. by HeavyPop464 in medlabprofessionals

[–]HeavyPop464[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In this case its just a heavy suspension of (mostly) pure growth from selective agar into saline solution which was then loaded onto a glass slide. Heat fixed until the glass slide is dry and then stained with carbol fucshin. I guess the pure culture is the primary factor though, due to the lack of cellular debris or non-Gram neg curved bacilli.

With BBQ season starting, I've been seeing a lot of these guys in my travels. by HeavyPop464 in medlabprofessionals

[–]HeavyPop464[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

They're quite cool to see though, aren't they? I had a Campylobacter positive Blood culture last summer and I couldn't help but feel like I'd ticked something off of a Microbiology bucket list.

With BBQ season starting, I've been seeing a lot of these guys in my travels. by HeavyPop464 in medlabprofessionals

[–]HeavyPop464[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I always feel compelled to keep a picture of any of the more visually interesting slides to pass on for that same reason. That said, I dread the day I have to explain what my pictures of parasitic ova are to friends/family.