Microbiology

The bacteriology section uses a combination of standard identification techniques and automated technology to identify bacteria and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Samples processed include the following.

Identification and Susceptibility of the organisms isolated in culture is performed using VITEK2 compact for isolates from blood and sterile body fluids and gram negative non fermenter bacilli. The other bacteria are identified by recommended conventional techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility is performed using the current CLSI (M 100-S23) guidelines in VITEK2 and Kirby Bauer’s disc diffusion method. Serotyping is performed for Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio, Beta hemolytic streptococci etc.

The Mycology laboratory is involved in identification and speciation of yeast, filamentous and dimorphic fungi. It also performs antifungal susceptibility testing for yeasts and yeast like fungi. The following facilities are available with the department currently:

• Direct Microscopic examination.
  • KOH
  • Calcoflour white
  • India Ink
• Fungal culture.
• Fungal identification (yeasts, dimorphic,filamentous).
• Cryptococcal antigen detection test.
• Antifungal susceptibility testing for yeasts.

The parasitology section supports the diagnostic wing with the following investigations.

• Malaria antigen detection (Immunochromatographic test)
• Stool Microscopy for cysts/trophozoites/helminthic eggs/larvae and adult worms
• Stool concentration methods
• Modified Acid fast staining for coccidian parasites
• Microscopy
  • Of hydatid fluid
  • Pus from amoebic liver abscess
  • CSF for free living amoebae (Naegleria & Acanthamoeba)
• Identification of adult worms

The serology section of the department deals with pre operative screening of patients using VITROS (Enhanced chemiluminisence assay). The other tests offered by this section are: