Collins and Lyne's microbiological methods

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A revised and updated bench reference on microbiological techniques covering clinical material, food and drink, environmental and veterinary specimens. For this edition, new material on quality assurance and automated techniques is included. Several chapters have been rewritten and all others extensively updated to bring them in line with recent developments and legal requirements. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

From The Critics

Reviewer: Eugene A Davidson, PhD(Georgetown University School of Medicine)
Description: This manual of microbiological methods covers essentially all species, but the material is somewhat dated. The original edition was published in 1964, the last in 1995.
Purpose: This book can serve as a text for an introductory microbiology course or as a general reference for methods to be employed when working with microorganisms; the focus is on standards and procedures used in Great Britain. The book has value as a reference text and some as a teaching text.
Audience: Students enrolled in a laboratory course in microbiology are one audience. A second would be any group wishing a convenient manual that describes classic methods of microbiology. The editors have assembled a qualified group of contributors from the U.K.
Features: Since the classic work of Koch in defining a relationship between microbial species and specific diseases, proper methods for identification and handling of microorganisms have been taught, established, and codified. This book provides broad coverage of the standard techniques for working with, and characterizing microorganisms. The 52 chapters begin with a general discussion of laboratory procedures, hazard levels, and general practices. Remaining chapters discuss various species, provide recipes for media preparation, characteristics used for identification (usually with reference to "adopted" methods), and any unusual features of the organisms under discussion. Many of the methods described have been in use for decades and are well validated. Thus, as an introductory text (in Britain) for students planning to work in this field, there is much valuable material. As identification techniques become more molecular (i.e. DNA sequences, for example), some of the material appears outdated. A noteworthy drawback is the absence of any substantive discussion about newer tools, which of the organisms may represent bioterrorist threats, and the nature of antibiotic resistance as well as its evolution. Hence, a contribution of classic value but limited future application.
Assessment: This is a classic text — dated and mainly of historical reference value. Since the typing procedures refer to those employed in the U.K., application in the U.S. market is limited.

2 Stars from Doody