Last week we went back to the basics and learned the 4 major categories of culture media: 🟢 Supportive 🟡 Enriched 🔵 Selective 🟣 Differential Now it’s time to actually apply what we learned. 🔬 We’ve already spent plenty of time learning our major Gram-positive cocci and rods… But knowing the organism is only part of the story. 👉 What media can we use to grow it? 👉 What does the plate look like? 👉 What reactions should we look for? 👉 How can those reactions help us narrow down an identification? That’s what we’re focusing on this week! 🧫 We’ll look at some important media associated with the Gram-positive organisms we’ve already covered, including: 🩸 Blood Agar 🧂 Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA) 🧫 CNA / PEA ⚫ Bile Esculin Agar 🔬 And a few specialty media associated with our Gram-positive rods 💡 And remember: A plate doesn’t always give us the final identification. Sometimes it simply gives us another clue that helps us decide what test or step should come next. This week we’re connecting: ORGANISM ➡️ MEDIA ➡️ REACTION ➡️ IDENTIFICATION CLUE 🧠🔬 Let’s get into the plates! 🧫

Quick update for the community! Even though we focus on a specific organism or topic each week…you don’t have to wait to ask questions 🙅🏽‍♀️ If there’s something you’re currently struggling with, a random organism, test, stain, or concept...POST IT! So I’ve created a new category: 🧪 Specific Topics Help This is your space to: ✔️ Ask questions ✔️ Drop confusing topics ✔️ Get help on anything microbiology-related ✔️ Request breakdowns or explanations 💡 Whether it’s something from today…or something from last month you still don’t understand it’s welcome here. Let’s make this community more interactive and helpful for everyone 💯 👇 Go check it out and post your first question!

I’m so glad you’re here 🧫✨ I created this community for MLS/MLT students, ASCP (M) exam takers, and microbiology lovers who want to learn consistently without overwhelm. This is a free microbiology study community where you can find: 🧪 Stain of the Week – quick, high-yield reviews 🦠 Microbiology facts & organism breakdowns 📘 Practice questions with explanations 🧬 Study tips and exam-focused guidance ❓Ask questions 📄 Share resources 🤝 Study alongside others Access a free ASCP-based outline 🧪 How This Community Works This is a low-pressure, study-at-your-own-pace microbiology space. You don’t need to be here every day to benefit — just pop in when you can. Here’s how I’ll be posting: 🦠 Stain of the Week – focused, exam-relevant 🧠 Mini concepts – things that show up on tests ❓ Practice questions – with explanations 📌 Helpful reminders & study tips If there’s anything you want help with (organisms, stains, mycology, parasitology, etc.), feel free to comment or message — this space will grow based on what members need. 💡 How to get started: 1️⃣ Check out the Stain of the Week posts 2️⃣ Introduce yourself below 3️⃣ Jump in whenever you can — no pressure, just progress 📘 For members who want a more structured, high-yield review, there is an optional paid Quick Review classroom available. No pressure — use what fits your study style! 👇 Drop a comment below: • What exam or class are you studying for? • When do you plan to test? • What topic do you struggle with most right now? You’re in the right place 💙 Glad you’re here 🧫✨ I’ll be shaping future posts around what members need most, so your input truly matters here. If you know someone who’s also studying microbiology or preparing for an exam, feel free to share this community with them. You can share the link below anytime with others who may benefit. https://www.skool.com/microbiology-with-dede-5731/about?ref=cc7a49a13f214946ae9702ed3867dadf