MEI's methods can ensure rapid identification of microbial isolates (bacterial, fungal or mycoplasma) to species level when necessary. MEI's polyphasic approach incorporating both genetic and phenotypic/biochemical methods enable us to achieve maximum identification accuracy.

At the core of our identification approach are rapid state-of-the-art genetic-based techniques, such as ribosomal DNA (rRNA gene) sequencing and PCR with appropriately discriminating gene probes.

To ensure that a sufficient range of potentially viable microbial candidates are considered in the process, the sequence data are subjected to blast analysis against our large, diverse, validated and proprietary reference sequence library (RSL)/database.

Furthermore, each genetic identification is systematically verified with classical microbiological (phenotypic/biochemical) identification techniques. These may include cultural, microscopic morphology, gram staining, as well as specific biochemical and other characterization methods. This is critical in overcoming the false identifications so often experienced in this field, as a result of inaccurate/incomplete databases or artifacts potentially associated within the sequencing procedure.

Please view our Sample Reports for more information.