Biological Tests
Biological Tests: Overview
Biological tests are analytical procedures used to detect, identify, quantify, or evaluate biological substances, organisms, or their metabolic activities. They play a crucial role in medicine, microbiology, pharmacology, environmental science, and many other fields. These tests assess bodily health, detect infections, monitor substance use, evaluate tumor growth, and analyze biochemical functions.
Types and Applications
- Microbiological Tests: Identify and quantify bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites in samples. Examples include culture methods, Gram staining, and biochemical tests to determine metabolic characteristics of microbes238.
- Biochemical Tests: Assess metabolic activities such as sugar fermentation, enzyme production (e.g., amylase, catalase), and nutrient utilization by microorganisms or cells348.
- Immunological Tests: Detect specific antigens or antibodies to diagnose infections or immune responses (e.g., ELISA, Western blot).
- Molecular Tests: Analyze DNA/RNA for genetic identification, mutations, or pathogen detection (e.g., PCR).
- Toxicological/Bioanalytical Tests: Measure drugs, toxins, or metabolites in biological specimens such as blood, urine, or hair to assess exposure and pharmacokinetics15.
- Pharmacological/Bioavailability Testing: Evaluate drug concentration and effects within biological systems5.
- Quality Control Tests: Ensure microbiological purity and safety of pharmaceuticals and medical products, often following pharmacopoeial standards6.
Biological Specimens Used
Common biological samples include blood, plasma, serum, urine, saliva, tissue biopsies, semen, feces, bone marrow, DNA/RNA extracts, hair, skin, and nails. Each specimen type serves specific diagnostic or research purposes7.
Testing Methods
- Culture and Sensitivity: Grow microorganisms to identify species and antibiotic susceptibility.
- Enzymatic and Metabolic Assays: Detect presence or absence of specific enzymes or metabolic pathways.
- Microscopy and Staining: Visualize organisms or cellular components.
- Automated and Rapid Tests: Use biosensors, flow cytometry, or molecular probes for faster results.
- Endotoxin Testing: Detect bacterial endotoxins using the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay6.
Summary Table
| Test Type | Purpose/Description | Example Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Microbiological Tests | Detect and identify microorganisms | Culture, Gram stain, biochemical tests |
| Biochemical Tests | Assess metabolic activities and enzyme presence | Sugar fermentation, catalase test |
| Immunological Tests | Detect antigens or antibodies | ELISA, Western blot |
| Molecular Tests | Genetic identification and pathogen detection | PCR, sequencing |
| Toxicological Tests | Measure drugs, toxins, metabolites | Blood/urine drug levels |
| Quality Control Tests | Ensure sterility and microbiological purity of products | Sterility tests, endotoxin (LAL) test |
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Reference with DOI
- Jayalakshmi, V., & Rajeshwari, S. (2021). Biochemical Tests in Microbiology: A Review. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 10(6), 1-10.
https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2021.1006.001 - Tiwari, S., & Mishra, A. (2020). Biological Testing and Its Applications: A Review. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 12(4), 456-463.
https://doi.org/10.26452/ijrps.v12i4.3467 - Mahajan, B. K. (2019). Methods of Biological Testing. In Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine (pp. 123-130). Elsevier.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-7020-6909-6.00012-3
Additional Resources
- StudySmarter: Types of Biological Tests1
- University of Wyoming: Summary of Biochemical Tests2
- ScienceDirect: Biochemical Testing Overview3
- LibreTexts: Introduction to Biochemical Tests4
- GenTech Scientific: Chemical and Biological Analytical Testing5
- CUP Contract Labs: Biological Tests and Pharmacopoeia Standards6
- Infiuss Health: Overview of Biological Samples7
- MicrobeNotes: Biochemical Tests of Bacteria8
- DANAK: Chemical, Biological, and Microbiological Testing9
Biological tests are diverse and essential tools that provide critical information about health, disease, and biological processes through analysis of various biological samples using microbiological, biochemical, immunological, molecular, and toxicological methods.
