Gram – Joint fluid: gram negative bacilli/coccobacilli (Acinetobacter baumannii) and neutrophils – Shipped August 2012
HISTORY
The challenge was sent to category A, B, C, and C1 laboratories. The sample was a simulated joint fluid obtained from a Canadian serviceman back from combat.
Laboratories were expected to report the presence of neutrophils and gram negative bacilli.
MAIN EDUCATIONAL POINTS from GS122-2
- Laboratories are reminded that the use of the term “diplococci” is generally reserved for organisms with a cellular morphology resembling Neisseria or Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- If the paired cocci are neither gram negative, kidney bean shaped or gram positive, lancet shaped, then it would be preferred to simply describe the organisms as being “in pairs.”
