ABPath Medical Microbiology study plan

Build a one-page matrix mapping each major organism group (bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses) to its primary detection method and the specimen type it suits

Write out the step-by-step workflow for a bacterial culture from primary plating through identification and susceptibility setup, without looking at notes, then correct gaps

Differentiate selective, differential, enriched, and chromogenic media by listing two examples of each and the organism each is designed to recover

Explain the principles behind Gram stain, acid-fast stain, and a fungal stain (e.g., calcofluor white) including what each reagent does and common causes of poor staining

Describe the analytical principles, strengths, and limitations of culture, antigen detection, nucleic acid amplification, sequencing, and mass spectrometry

Classify 30 representative organisms by domain, kingdom, and clinically relevant grouping, and state the naming convention rules for genus and species

Explain how molecular methods (PCR, sequencing, MALDI-TOF) are used to identify organisms that are slow-growing or unculturable

Outline the workup approach for a positive blood culture from Gram stain to final identification and reporting

Map each major antimicrobial class to its mechanism of action and the resistance mechanism most commonly associated with it

Interpret disk diffusion, broth dilution, and gradient diffusion results, including how to apply interpretive categories

Explain the phenotypic tests used to confirm specific resistance (e.g., inducible clindamycin resistance, carbapenemase detection, ESBL confirmation)

Connect at least six virulence factors to the specific disease process each produces

Match specimen types to collection timing, container, transport conditions, and rejection criteria for at least 15 specimen categories

Sequence the processing steps for a specimen from receipt through plating, including when to add enrichment or special media

Identify the components of a quality control program for media, reagents, stains, and susceptibility testing, and state the acceptance criteria for each

Describe the chain of infection and the specific infection prevention practices that interrupt it in a laboratory setting

Summarize the regulatory and accreditation framework that governs clinical microbiology laboratories and which agencies oversee which activities

List biosafety levels and the practices, equipment, and facility requirements that distinguish each level

Explain the components of a chemical hygiene and exposure control plan relevant to a microbiology lab

Describe the elements of a laboratory quality management system, including proficiency testing, competency assessment, and corrective action documentation

Work through organism-specific identification algorithms for gram-positive cocci, gram-negative bacilli, and anaerobes, stating the key differentiating tests

Describe the laboratory diagnosis of mycobacterial and fungal infections, including the time course and limitations of each method

Explain the diagnostic approach to parasitic and viral infections, including which methods are first-line for each

Link at least eight organisms to their principal pathogenic mechanism and the clinical syndrome each causes

Practice translating laboratory findings into actionable clinical recommendations for at least eight simulated cases

Formulate consultation language for common scenarios such as a critical result call-back, a contaminated culture, and an unexpected susceptibility pattern

Identify situations that require immediate provider notification and state the reporting timeline and documentation required

Explain how preanalytical variables influence result interpretation and how to communicate that to a clinician

Complete a full-length timed practice examination under test conditions

Analyze every missed question by domain and identify the underlying knowledge gap rather than the surface error

Re-review weak areas using the reference materials built in weeks 1 through 7

Recite from memory the highest-yield facts for each of the nine domains