This document discusses methods for identifying bacteria, including conventional culture techniques and automated methods. Conventional culture techniques involve collecting samples, staining, culturing on media, and performing biochemical tests to identify colonies based on morphology, staining characteristics, and biochemical reactions. Automated methods include using blood culture systems to rapidly detect microbial growth and identify organisms using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry or systems like Vitek-2 that can identify bacteria and perform antibiotic susceptibility testing.