ABSTRACT
This chapter considers individually the four principal steps in the analysis of clinical specimens for anaerobic bacteria and has discusses what is involved in each step of the analysis. It is intended to bring all the requirements together so that a complete picture can be presented, summarizing all aspects of the anaerobic analysis. The chapter presents tables of laboratory equipment required, laboratory space needed, cost, technician time required for training and for performing the tests, etc. The selection of the appropriate transport device will depend on which will best protect the particular specimen collected from oxygen, drying out, and from being overgrown by contaminants during transport. All of the devices reviewed are designed to protect the specimen from oxygen during transport, although some are better in this respect than others. The choice of methods will depend on the one that best fits into our laboratory situation.
