The various tests done by this lab are broadly categorized as follows:
MICROSCOPY
The lab accepts all samples for microscopy based tests like Gram’s stain, ZN stain, Albert’s stain, India ink examination, KOH preparation for fungus, etc.
BACTERIAL CULTURE
After culture of the sample type is positive, the growth is followed for identification of bacterial isolate and its antibiotic sensitivity using VITEK 2 compact, an automated system of repute from BIOMERIEUX.
Due to automation in culture test, we have been able to diagnose infections with few very rare organisms and provide accurate sensitivity.
We boast of having two automated blood culture systems from different companies- BACTEC 9050 (B.D.) and BacT/ALERT 3D (BIOMERIEUX), so that any blood culture sample bottle can be processed. Apart from that, all the possible samples for bacterial culture are processed and reported by the lab.
RAPID T.B. CULTURE
TB culture (AFB culture) is the gold standard method for TB diagnosis.
Samples for rapid tuberculosis (T.B.) culture are processed in a separate dedicated T.B. culture lab using another automated instrument MGIT from B.D. Both MTB complex and NTM’s are reported by the lab.
Sensitivity to drugs is also done against the TB Culture.
FUNGAL CULTURE
All types of samples are accepted for fungal culture including skin scraping, nail clipping and hair. Unlike majority of labs, we give identification and antifungal sensitivity also for Yeast and Yeast like fungal isolates.
SEROLOGY
The lab boasts of having a wide range of serology based tests being done here. The samples are processed by rapid cards, ELISA and on automated Enhanced Chemiluminescence (ECI) systems (VITROS, Orthoclinica Diagnostics, IMMULITE, Siemens diagnostics) depending on the test requested.
The microbiology and serology lab tests are NABL accredited and quality checks are done at every step from sample processing till reporting. We are a regular participant of external quality assurance programmes, including IAMM EQAS, with outstanding performance.
The lab also participates in clinical researches and trials and has also assisted few thesis studies related to the subject with PhD students.