Microbiological tests are laboratory procedures used to detect and identify microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These tests help determine the presence of harmful pathogens in various samples, including food, water, and clinical specimens. By analyzing these samples, scientists can assess the safety and quality of products and diagnose infections in patients. Common microbiological tests include culturing, where samples are grown in controlled environments to observe microbial growth, and PCR (polymerase chain reaction), which amplifies DNA to identify specific organisms. These tests are essential in public health, food safety, and clinical diagnostics, ensuring that environments and products are free from harmful microbes.