Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases are increasing worldwide. Department of microbiology acts as a bridge between hospital and patient care for diagnosis of infectious diseases.
We have perfect blend of conventional methods, newer automated and molecular methods in our department to diagnose various infectious diseases. We also cater the medical undergraduate & postgraduate students by different teaching methods.
To diagnose the etiological agents of various infectious diseases we have following laboratories-Bacteriology Aerobic & Anaerobic lab and Serology lab for diagnosis of bacterial infections. Virology lab for diagnosis of viral infections. TB lab for mycobacterial infections. Mycology lab for diagnosis of various fungal infections. And Parasitology lab for parasitic infections.
Research lab is equipped with advanced and molecular methods. It is utilized for rapid identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of bacteria, fungus and mycobacterium.
Additional laboratory services are
- Integrated counseling and testing center (ICTC) for HIV
- Biomedical waste management
- Surveillance of Hospital acquired infections
- Surveillance of Operation Theater
- Quality control programme for blood Bank samples
- Water examination for Bacteria by MPN
As a part of Hospital Infection Control Committee we are regularly conducting monthly meetings. A dedicated team of Infection control officer & 10 ICNs provide active surveillance of hospital acquired infection by monitoring, reporting and investigating the diseases in hospital. The committee also implements the Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme. Monitoring of antimicrobial drug resistance is done in the department which in turn helps in formulation of Antibiotic Policy of the SKNMC & GH.
Standards of all the tests performed in the department are maintained through performing various EQAS schemes. EQAS samples are provided by CMC Vellore for bacteriology and serology, JIPMER Puducherry for parasitology, SRL Pune for virology and PGI Chandigarh for mycology.