Identifying an unknown microbial organismIntroductionThe purpose of identifying an unknown microbial agent is to enable the five “I”s of microbiology to be put into practice, namely inoculation, incubation, isolation, inspection and identification. . Providing an unknown microbial agent tests the individual's ability to master the above techniques, accurately obtain the correct results, and compare those results to already established biochemical test results. (Forrest & Elliott, 2012, p.111) Tests used include Gram stain, streak plate and biochemical tests such as MR-VP, SIM, phenylalanine deaminase, Simmon's citrate as well as fermentation of carbohydrates and urease. Biochemical Test of ImportanceSeveral biochemical tests have been performed, however, only three will be discussed as these tests are the most important in identifying the microbial agent. These tests helped narrow down the options for the organism with which the results matched. The tests, which will be analyzed in more detail, are the SIM, Simmon's Citrate and Urease tests. First, the SIM test included sulfur, indole, and motility; however, focus will be limited to the sulfur portion of the test only, as it is the most important. Two methods used in this portion of testing were direct sample testing and culture/isolation. During SIM testing, aseptic technique was used with caution. An inoculation needle was used to obtain the culture. Then the needle was taken and stuck into the SIM holder. The media was then stored at 37 degrees Celsius for 24 to 48 hours. (Forrest & Elliott, 2012, p.114) The sulfur portion of the SIM test consisted of the enzymes Thiosulfate reducta...... middle of paper ....../Academic Press. Cowan, M.K. and Talaro, K.P. (2009). Infectious diseases affecting the respiratory system. In Microbiology: a systems approach (3rd ed., pp. 645-54). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill. Forrest, S. and Elliott, M. (2012). Laboratory 16 Identification: Biochemical tests. In Microbiology: An Introduction to Laboratory Procedures and Techniques (pp. 111-116). El Dorado, KS: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Forrest, S., & Elliott, M. (2012). Lab 20 Identification of an unknown bacteria/Published results. In Microbiology: An Introduction to Laboratory Procedures and Techniques (pp. 135-138). El Dorado, KS: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. PODSCHUN, R. and ULLMANN, U. (1998). Klebsiella spp. as nosocomial pathogens: epidemiology, taxonomy, typing methods and pathogenicity factors. Clinical microbiology examinations. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88898/