National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

“ The FAME profile generated for each unknown bacteria analyzed is electronically compared to a computer generated library containing the fatty acid profiles of over 5,000 bacteria. Bacterial identifications are generated for each sample and ranked in order based upon similarity indices. NOTE:
Identification is based on comparison with a profile library; therefore, sample identification is not definitive. The similarity index (SI) indicates how closely the sample compares to known bacteria in the library collection. ”

“ Identification and differentiation of selected members of the genus Mycobacterium by gas chromatography-fatty acid methyl ester (GC-FAME) analysis. J Applied and Environmental Microbiology. METHOD WRITTEN BY: Stephanie M. Pendergrass, DPSE, NIOSH APPENDIX. MYCOBACTERIUM CONDITIONS AND CULTURE MEDIA. For the analysis of Mycobacteria, follow the method as written with exception of the following steps. Step 6. Culture media: Middlebrook 7H10 culture media containing Middlebrook OADC Enrichment (with 0.5% glycerol) . ”

“ This method is applicable to all viable and culturable bacteria containing C9–C20 fatty acids. The method is applicable to bulk solid and liquid samples containing culturable bacteria, as well as air samples. INTERFERENCES: No specific interferences were identified. However, any fungi, yeasts, or other source of fatty acid materials will affect identification of bacteria. Additionally, any organic contaminants will interfere with the identification process. OTHER METHODS: Method 0800, Bioaerosol Sampling, is a general procedure for sampling bioaerosols in air. ”