Microbiology (bacteriology, parasitology, mycology)

Microbiology looks for the agent responsible for an infection: bacteria (bacteriology), fungi and yeasts (mycology) or parasites (parasitology). The most common samples are urine culture, blood cultures in case of fever, throat, wound, genital or respiratory swabs, stool cultures and parasitological examination of stools. Once the germ is isolated in culture, the laboratory performs an antibiogram: it tests the sensitivity of the bacterium to antibiotics so that the doctor can choose the most effective treatment and avoid unnecessary antibiotics. The partner laboratory of the Centre Médical Pasteur operates day and night, which allows samples from the emergency department, the operating theatres and the inpatient wards to be handled without delay. Culture results require the germs' growth time, generally two to three days; the direct examination is issued quickly.