In this Micro Minutes episode, Luis breaks down classic microbiology traits that usually hold true, but not always. From indole-negative E. coli to non-swarming Proteus and oxidase-negative Pseudomonas, this quick episode highlights real-world exceptions that can catch techs and students off guard.

Learn how to spot:

• Indole-negative E. coli (98% rule + inactive biotypes)

• Lactose-fermenting look-alikes like Citrobacter freundii

• Proteus species that don't swarm

• Pseudomonas species that test oxidase negative
  
  

A fast, practical reminder that no single biochemical test should stand alone.

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• Website: letstalkmicro.com
  
  

• Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com

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Welcome to the very first Micro Minutes, a new quick-hit series from Let's Talk Micro designed for students, techs, and anyone who wants fast, practical microbiology insights in under 10 minutes.

In this episode, we tackle a common misconception that microbiologists can make at the bench when interpreting a single plate: MacConkey agar.

Many assume:

"If it doesn't grow on MacConkey, it's not a gram-negative rod."
"If it does grow on MacConkey, it must be a gram-negative rod."

Both are wrong — and today we break down why.

Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro:

• Website: letstalkmicro.com

• Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com

• Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8

Support the podcast:

• Venmo
  
  

• Buy me a Ko-fi

In the third installment of our special series in partnership with bioMérieux, Luis welcomes back Dr. Sonali Kalathiya, infectious diseases pharmacist and medical advisor at bioMérieux, to explore how innovation is accelerating antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).

Together they dive into FAST AST—a phenotypic susceptibility test that delivers actionable results directly from positive blood cultures in hours instead of days. They discuss how this technology works, how it complements molecular testing, and how it's transforming patient care, antimicrobial stewardship, and laboratory workflows.

From implementation and training to real-world clinical impact, this episode uncovers what it truly means to diagnose resistance at the speed of AST.

🎧 Tune in to learn how faster results are helping clinicians act sooner, optimize therapy, and improve patient outcomes.

This episode is sponsored by bioMérieux, a global innovator in infectious disease diagnostics.

Resources from this episode:

• bioMérieux Sepsis Webinar

• https://info.biomerieux.com/clin_us_2024_ams_handbook?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=LetsTalkMicro

Stay connected with Let's Talk Micro:

• Website: letstalkmicro.com

• Questions or feedback? Email me at letstalkmicro@outlook.com

• Interested in being a guest on Let's Talk Micro? Fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/V2fT3asjfyusmqyi8

Support the podcast:

• Venmo

• Buy me a Ko-fi