What type of testing is primarily performed in clinical microbiology?

The focus of clinical microbiology is on the detection and characterization of pathogens that cause infectious diseases. Therefore, the primary testing performed in this field involves identifying pathogens in body fluids such as blood, urine, sputum, and other specimens. This process typically includes culturing microorganisms, performing assays for specific antigens or antibodies, and utilizing molecular techniques like PCR to detect and identify pathogens.

While tissue biopsies might be processed in a clinical lab setting, they are more commonly associated with histopathology rather than microbiology. Chemical composition analysis relates to fields such as biochemistry or clinical chemistry, where the emphasis is on analyzing the body's biochemical substances. Genetic testing is increasingly important but is primarily linked to molecular genetics and genomics, focusing on genetic disorders rather than directly identifying infectious agents. Thus, the correct answer highlights the core function of clinical microbiology in pathogen detection, firmly establishing its role in managing infectious diseases.