ABSTRACT
There are several methods used for identification of clinically important anaerobes, some of which give a presumptive or group identification, while others offer a more complete identification, frequently to the species or subspecies level. As a basis for the selection of the scheme of identification best suited for any individual laboratory it is necessary to understand what information is generated by each scheme and whether it will be used by the doctors in treatment, as well as what is involved in performing the required tests. This chapter attempts to provide the information necessary to make this selection, by indicating what types and numbers of tests are needed for each scheme. Gas-liquid chromatography is a procedure used in definitive identification of certain anaerobes by the analysis of the end-products of bacterial metabolism that are volatile compounds or can be made volatile. The equipment needed to perform gas chromatography including the gas chromatography and accessories will vary depending on the model chosen.
