Part IIITracking the Culprit I was just thinking about media, Matt remarked to Amber. We can use pretty typical media to isolate those, right? Yes, we would usually set up these specimens on five percent sheep blood agar, MacConkey agar, and CNA or PEA agar. We also frequently set up a liquid culture along with the plates. That sounds like a good plan. Ill check back first thing in the morning to see if theres any growth on the plates. Dr. Mitchell thanked Amber and the microbiologist who had helped him and went back upstairs for a last check on the sick babies before heading home for some much-needed rest. Upstairs, he nearly ran into Ben Albin, the hospital administrator who had given him an ultimatum earlier. Hello, Ben, Dr. Mitchell said tersely. What brings you out of the administrative suite for a second time today? There are some mighty agitated parents in the nursery, Matt. I think you need to convince them that you have a reasonable plan for taking care of their kids. Ben turned and began walking back toward his office. Remember, he called over his shoulder to Matt. Controlling this outbreak is only half of your problemcontrolling the damage is also your concern. Matt looked through the window of the nursery in order to size up the situation before entering. He saw a well-dressed couple in their mid-30s standing beside the Wandell twins cribs. The woman was quietly weeping while the man had his arm protectively wrapped around her. Nurse Benjamin was standing next to Baby Girl LaCombs isolette, deep in conversation with a woman with red hair wearing a chenille bathrobe. The woman was clearly agitated. Resisting the urge to turn on his heel and flee, Matt pushed open the door and entered the nursery. The couple next to the Wandell twins continued their mournful vigil without seeming to notice his presence. Matt heard Joan say to the woman in the bathrobe, Heres Dr. Mitchell now. Im sure he has some information for you. Matt approached the woman with his right hand extended. Im Dr. Mitchell. You must be Mrs. LaComb. Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. Wheres Dr. Eckenrode? said the woman, ignoring his outstretched hand. Shes taken care of my other two. No offense, but I want my own doctor taking care of Lisa. Lisawhat a beautiful name, Matt said, hoping to put Mrs. LaComb at ease. Dr. Eckenrode is out of the country for a few weeks. She left me in charge. Ive already ordered some tests to help us determine the best treatment for Lisa. Treatment? Just what did she catch from those other babies? Her skin has this terrible rash thats peeling off! She looks awful. What kind of a place is this anyway? The color rising in Mrs. LaCombs face was beginning to match that of her hair. If Dr. Eckenrode cant take care of her, Im taking her to Whittaker Memorial Hospital right now. Dr. Mitchell took a deep breath and responded in a measured tone. Im sorry, Mrs. LaComb, but I cant allow you to take Lisa right now. Shes too sick to be discharged, and Whittaker wont admit her into their nursery in this condition anyway. You cant keep my baby here! Im calling my brother-in-law first thing in the morning. Hes editor of the biggest newspaper in the county. Hell make sure people know what kind of a clinic youre running. Lets try not to panic, Mrs. LaComb. The microbiology lab is zeroing in on the cause of your daughters illness even as we speak. A bit of an exaggeration, Matt knew, but not an outright lie. Ill stop by your room in the morning and let you know what weve found. Im sure well have this solved by then. You better have it solved by then. Ill be waiting to hear from you, Dr. Mitchellbut I wont be waiting for long. Mrs. LaComb turned, pushed open the nursery door, and walked out. Matt sighed. Would you please fill in the Wandell parents? he said to Nurse Benjamin. Joan looked stunned by the exchange she had just observed. Surprisingly, she simply nodded and walked over to the couple standing by the cribs and gently began speaking with them. Matt took the opportunity to escape, walking quickly to the clinic exit and out into the cold night air. Tomorrow would be here sooner than he wanted.

Question 3 What is the purpose of the four types of media listed (5% sheep blood agar, MacConkey agar, CNA and PEA agar)? Be specific.