Microbiology

Scope of Services:

The Division offers round the clock specialised diagnostic services in the areas of Bacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, Mycobacteriology and Virology.

The division has the state-of-the-art facilities like BacT/Alert automated blood culture system, VITEK 2 automated identification and sensitivity system, VIDAS enzyme linked fluorescent assay, GeneXpert Cartridge Based Nucleic acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) automated PCR system, BIOFIRE Filmarray Infectious Syndromic Panel testing system, BIORAD- Real Time PCR, VITEK MS Prime - MALDITOF automated identification system and fluorescent microscope for detection of AFB and fungal elements in specimens which constitutes a major technological improvement with a positive impact on the workflow of the laboratory and turnaround time of specimens. The division is also a Designated Microscopy Centre for detection of tuberculosis under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP). The technologists and staff of the department are trained to work independently, to ensure smooth functioning and compliance with the quality systems. The division also supports infection control activities of the institution.

Services offered :

a. Bacteriology

o Microscopy & Culture of clinical specimens, Isolation & identification of bacterial pathogens, Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST) of isolates.

b. Mycology

o Microscopy & Culture
o Isolation and identification of filamentous fungi
o Identification & Antifungal susceptibility testing of yeasts using VITEK 2 automated identification and sensitivity system.

c. Mycobacteriology

o Designated Microscopy Centre (DMC) for detection of acid fast bacilli (AFB staining) under District Tuberculosis Centre, Thiruvananthapuram
o AFB culture
o CBNAAT for pulmonary and extra pulmonary specimens

d. Parasitology

o Wet film examination of stool sample for ova, cysts and larvae of parasites.
o Modified acid fast staining for intestinal coccidian parasites.

e. Serology

o Hepatitis markers
• Anti-HBs antibody
• Anti-HBc IgM
• Anti-HBc Total
o Procalcitonin
o Troponin I
o D Dimer
o Dengue NS1, IgM

f. Molecular Microbiology services

o RTPCR and CBNAAT for SARS CoV2
o GeneXpert CBNAAT for TB
o GeneXpert CBNAAT for HPV
o BIOFIRE filmarray infectious syndromic panel testing - meningitis, pneumonia, respiratory, GI panel and blood culture identification panels.

Academic activities:

• Advanced training in Microbiology - One year training course for MSc Microbiology candidates

• Observership for BSc/MSc MLT and Microbiology students.

• 
  • Name: Dr. Swapna R Nath, MBBS, MD Microbiology
  • Designation:Additional Professor
  • Division:Microbiology
  • Clinical Expertise:Bacteriology, Mycology, Infection Control
  • Contact:
    Email:
    Office Phone:+91 471 2522555
    Fax:+91 471 2447454
• 
  • Name: Dr Sagila S.G, MBBS, MD Microbiology
  • Designation:Associate Professor
  • Division:Microbiology
  • Clinical Expertise:Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Mycology
  • Contact:
    Email:
    Office Phone:+91 471 2522355
    Fax:+91 471 2447454