Let's Talk Micro

Instagram follower suggestion: After mentioning on a post that Pasteurella was my favorite, a follower suggested for me to make an episode about it. In this episode I talk about Pasteurella, and why do I like it.

In this episode I continue going over anaerobic bacteria. Is blood agar sufficient to recover anaerobes? Listen to this episode to learn about different media used for the recovery of anaerobic bacteria.

In this episode I continue going over anaerobes. Are all sources acceptable for anaerobic cultures? How do you achieve the anaerobic environment these organisms need to grow? Find out in this episode.

What is anaerobic bacteria? What is a facultative anaerobe? In this episode I introduce anaerobic bacteria and its relationship to oxygen and growth. Some species are mentioned.

Following up Dania's interview, in this episode I go over thioglycolate broth. What is it used for? Is it helpful in cultures? Listen to find out.

This week's episode features Let's Talk Micro's second interview. Dania Casellas is a microbiologist that performs testing on donor organs.

In this episode I continue going over tests and biochemicals for gram negative cocci. In addition I briefly go over different species of gram negative cocci and introduce new agar: Martin Lewis and Modified Thayer Martin.

In this episode I start going over tests and biochemicals for gram negative cocci. First up, the catarrhalis disk, used for the identification of Moraxella catarrhalis.

What is the urease test? What is the principle of it? Is it only used for gram negative rods? In this episode I go over the urea test, including its principle, reactions, and its differences and similarities to the TSI and LIA tests.

What is the lysine iron agar test? What is it used for? In this episode I go over this test including reactions and comparing and contrasting it with the TSI test.

What is TSI? Which organisms is it used for? In this episode I go over the Triple Sugar Iron test, including its components, how does it work and examples of organisms and their reactions.

In this episode I go over media that Karla Zamora mentioned in her interview such as Hektoen, XLD and Palcam. I discuss components of the agar, colonial morphology and more.

Let's Talk Micro's first interview features a conversation with Karla Zamora, an environmental microbiologist from Mexico. In this episode she talks about her work including techniques and organisms she works with.

In this episode I continue going over biochemicals for gram negative rods: oxidase. I also briefly discuss some species of gram negative rods and their oxidase results.

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro , we kick off biochemicals for Gram-negative rods with the indole test. After wrapping up the Gram-positive cocci last week, we now explore what indole is, how the test works, and how it helps differentiate organisms like E. coli , Proteus , and Klebsiella . A classic biochemical that still matters in today's microbiology lab.   Check out the website: https://ww...

In this episode of Let's Talk Micro , we continue exploring the tools that aid in the identification of gram-positive cocci. Tune in as we discuss the optochin disk, used to help identify Streptococcus pneumoniae , and the Microdase disk test, which supports the identification of Micrococcus species. These simple yet powerful tests remain essential in the clinical microbiology lab.   Check out the...

What is the PYR test? What is strep typing? In this episode of Let's Talk Micro , I explain how these tests are used to identify Gram-positive cocci in the lab. Learn what they are, how they work, and why they're important in clinical microbiology.   Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support the podcast? Here's how: Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro Buy me...

What are biochemical tests—and how do they help identify bacteria? In this episode of Let's Talk Micro , I dive into two of the most commonly used biochemicals in clinical microbiology: catalase and coagulase . Learn what they are, how they work, and why they're essential tools in the micro lab. Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support the podcast? Here's how: V...

What do we use the 40x objective for? How does it compare to the 10x and 100x objectives? In this episode, I break down the differences between these microscope objectives and highlight when and why the 40x objective is used in the clinical microbiology lab. Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support the podcast? Here's how: Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicr...

What exactly are blood cultures—and why do they matter? In this episode of Let's Talk Micro , we dive into the critical role of blood culture Gram stains. From how they're reported to how the media is set up, we break down what makes them unique compared to other specimen types.    Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support the podcast? Here's how: Venmo: https://...

What do we actually look for when reading a Gram stain? In this episode of  Let's Talk Micro , I break down the key morphologies and cellular arrangements you might encounter—and what they mean. From cocci in clusters to rods, we'll cover the essentials and go over standard reporting guidelines to help make sense of what's under the microscope.   Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@ou...

What is a Gram stain and how is it done? In this episode of Let's Talk Micro , I cover the basics of the Gram stain technique—from sample requirements to slide prep and staining. A quick refresher on a core microbiology skill! Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support the podcast? Here's how:   Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/letstalkmicro   Buy me a Ko-fi: https://ko...

What exactly is agar, and why is it essential in microbiology? In this episode of Let's Talk Micro , we explore the different types of agar used in the lab—from blood agar to MacConkey—and what they help us detect. Whether you're culturing bacteria or interpreting results, understanding agar is fundamental. Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support the podcast? H...

What is a Medical Laboratory Scientist—and what exactly is microbiology? In this kickoff episode of Let's Talk Micro , I introduce the podcast, share what you can expect from future episodes, and break down some basic microbiology terms. Whether you're a student, professional, or just curious—welcome to the micro-world! Questions? Feedback? Send those to letstalkmicro@outlook.com Want to support t...