Facilities
Clinical Microbiology Laboratory:
The clinical Microbiology laboratory caters to the diagnostic needs of Rajarajeswari Super Specialty Hospital. The laboratory offers services 24/7 to the entire hospital. Clinical Microbiology comprises essentially of eight sections, with faculty members monitoring and authorizing the work in each section. The following are the sections of the laboratory:
- Bacteriology
- Virology
- Serology
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Mycology
- Media preparation
- Mycobacteriology
Bacteriology:
This section deals with the identification, classification, and characterization of bacterial species along with the antibiotic susceptibility testing of the isolated bacterial species and staining of the direct smears. From Patients samples hanging drop for the presence of Vibrio cholerae is also done. The following are some of the specimens that are processed in this laboratory:
- Blood & bone marrow
- CSF and other body fluids
- Tissue/Biopsy material
- Exudates
- Cathetertips
- Faeces
- Urine
- Sputum. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), Endotracheal aspirates (ETA)
- Throat, Nasal and Ear Swabs
- Genital swabs
Both aerobic and anaerobic cultures are done in Biosafety Cabinet level IIB. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing is done by Kirby bauer Disc diffusion method. Direct smears are stained by Grams and Alberts for the appropriate samples. Potable water and environmental surveillance, Critical care area surveillance, Microbiology sterility, sterility check of blood bags, solutions and sterilizers are also processed in this section.
Virology:
The department has a state of the artfully automated 4 plate ELISA processors. It is for used for diagnosis of viral diseases like Hepatitis A & C, Dengue, HIV, HBsAg & Rubella.
Serology:
This section handles the bulk of lab investigations by evaluating antigen-antibody reactions in vitro by slide agglutination or Rapid Card/strip method. The following tests are included in this section:
- Widal test
- RPR test
- MP test
- UPT test
- Leptospira rapid test
Immunology:
This section deals with antigen-antibody reactions in serum by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. CRP, RA & ASLO are detected in this section.
Parasitology:
This section mainly deals with detection of parasite’s from patient samples, Stool sample for Microscopic examination for parasitic ova, cyst and larva and sometimes for the parasites. Blood smear examination for haematological parasites like malaria, babesia, filarial and leishmania are also included.
Mycology:
This section covers the disease of fungal etiology diagnosed by direct microscopy using potassium hydroxide & Culture in sabourauds dextrose agar. Gram’s stain for the presence of yeasts and special stains like India ink for Cryptococcus are also included in this section.
Media preparation:
The medium required for the growth of the bacteria’s, fungus and parasites are prepared in this section under aseptic conditions with sterility check.
Mycobacteriology:
This section deals with identification of mycobacterium species by direct microscopy using zeihl neelsen and fluorescent stains and culture by using Lowenstein Jensen medium.
The Microbiology department works in co-ordination with other departments in implementation of certain National Health Programmes like RNTCP (for Tuberculosis) and ICTC (for HIV). Clinical microbiology also plays a huge role in Hospital Infection Control Committee, Biomedical Waste Management Committee and Central Sterile Supply Department. Internal Quality and External Quality Control is being monitored regularly.
