Which test is processed in microbiology?

The throat culture is processed in microbiology because it involves testing samples for the presence of bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can cause infections. Microbiology focuses on the study of microorganisms and the diseases they cause, which includes isolating and identifying pathogens from clinical specimens. In the case of a throat culture, swabs taken from the throat are cultured on specific media to detect organisms such as Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacteria responsible for strep throat.

Other tests mentioned in the options, such as a blood smear, liver panel, and complete blood count, are generally processed in different departments of a laboratory. A blood smear, while it may involve some microbiological aspects in certain contexts (like identifying parasites), primarily examines blood cells for conditions like anemia or infection. A liver panel assesses liver function and includes tests for enzymes and substances produced by the liver, while a complete blood count measures various components of blood to provide a general overview of a person’s health.