From a purified culture

From an old culture with reduced metabolic activity

Directly from a patient sample, even if it contains multiple microorganisms

From a broth culture containing multiple microbial species

Bacterial species have varying metabolic properties, requiring a combination of tests for accurate identification

One test provides all the necessary information about bacterial species

Different tests produce different colour changes in bacterial colonies

Bacteria can give false-positive reactions in a single test

MALDI-TOF's accuracy and speed contribute to quicker diagnoses and informed treatment decisions

MALDI-TOF's primary focus is on identifying genetic mutations in microorganisms

MALDI-TOF's accuracy might vary, making it unreliable

MALDI-TOF's speed is a drawback due to potential inaccuracies

Both methods are interchangeable in terms of identifying microorganisms based on their genetic material

MALDI-TOF relies on genetic analysis, while traditional biochemical analysis focuses on protein profiling

Traditional biochemical analysis involves metabolic reactions, while MALDI-TOF identifies microorganisms through protein profiling

Both methods utilise the same principles but differ in their sample preparation techniques

Bacteria trigger a mild immune response that prevents lysis

Bacteria utilise red blood cells for growth and replication

Bacteria do not interact with red blood cells in this type of haemolysis

Bacteria produce enzymes that fully lyse red blood cells

This is a differential medium with enhanced nutrient content

This is an enriched medium with selective properties

This is a selective medium that inhibits the growth of susceptible bacteria

This is a general-purpose medium with increased growth rate

This medium selects for antibiotic-resistant bacteria due to its unique composition

This medium enhances the growth of specific bacteria by providing enriched nutrients

This medium relies on colour differences to differentiate bacterial species

This medium encourages bacterial toxin production

Alpha haemolysis results in a clear zone, while beta haemolysis produces a greenish discolouration

Alpha haemolysis oxidizes haemoglobin to methaemoglobin, while beta haemolysis involves complete lysis

Both alpha and beta haemolysis lead to complete lysis of red blood cells

Alpha haemolysis is non-haemolytic, and beta haemolysis involves partial lysis