About

The department consists of highly developed entry restricted Mycobacteriology Lab having the accreditation for U-DST for MTB (under NTEP program of government of India), for fluorescent microscopy for MTB and accredit for CDST for mycobacterium tuberculosis from government of India (processing samples of follow TB follow-up TB culture from eight districts in UP). All high-end equipments like MGIT 320, MGIT 960, RTPCR, and close system biosafety cabinet type three, fluorescent microscope are available.

The department boasts of automated blood culture systems, FX 40 and 9120 (by BD company, USA) automated I/DST system Vitek (by Bio-Merieux company, France) , carbon dioxide incubator (by Panasonic company, Japan) fluorescent microscope (by Ziess, Germany) which help in generation of automatic report. Department has fully developed functional BSL-II molecular laboratory with BSL -II safety cabinets, RTPCR system, by (Bio-Rad) and a close system in the name of True NAT (by MOL BIO). Presently the department is conducting approximately less than 5 RTPCR tests for Covid 19, though capacity can be increased up to 300+ PCR test per day. Apart from this the department is also conducting HBV, HCV Viral load, MTBRTPCR ,HSVRTPCR in molecular lab. At the molecular level the diagnosis of tuberculosis, malaria, HPV, HBV, HCV PCR, fungal detection in corneal ulcers and keratitis cases, BAL fluid are being performed. Plans for future include development and accreditation of LPA lab for which visit of various government authorities have already taken place

Why is it Done ?

Microbiology services play a crucial role in modern healthcare settings, providing invaluable insights into the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. By examining microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, these services contribute to patient care, infection control, and public health strategies. This article delves into the importance of microbiology services in hospitals and explains why they are conducted.

  1. Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases: Microbiology services are primarily conducted to diagnose infectious diseases accurately. When patients present with symptoms that suggest an infection, such as fever, cough, or sore throat, healthcare professionals rely on microbiological tests to identify the causative agent. By identifying the specific microorganism responsible for the infection, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans to the patient’s needs, ensuring timely and effective interventions.

  2. Antibiotic Resistance Testing: One of the pressing concerns in modern medicine is the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Microbiology services are vital in determining the susceptibility of bacterial strains to various antibiotics. This information guides healthcare practitioners in choosing the most appropriate antibiotics for a particular infection, preventing the misuse of antibiotics and the development of further resistance.

  3. Infection Control Measures: Microbiology services are instrumental in implementing effective infection control measures within healthcare facilities. By identifying pathogens present in a hospital environment, healthcare providers can take proactive steps to prevent the spread of infections among patients and staff. Regular monitoring and analysis of microbes in the hospital environment allow for targeted interventions to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.

  4. Public Health Surveillance: Microbiology services extend beyond individual patient care; they also contribute to public health surveillance. Monitoring the prevalence of specific pathogens and tracking trends in microbial infections help public health authorities identify outbreaks, devise appropriate response strategies, and implement preventive measures to safeguard the larger community.

  5. Research and Development: Microbiology services drive advancements in medical research and development. Studying microorganisms and their interactions with the human body contributes to a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms and the development of new treatments. This research informs the creation of vaccines, antiviral drugs, and innovative diagnostic tools.

  6. Preventive Medicine: Microbiology services enable healthcare providers to offer personalized preventive medicine strategies. Through various tests, individuals can be screened for certain infections or predispositions, allowing them to take proactive steps to maintain their health and prevent the onset of diseases.

  7. Transplantation and Immunocompromised Patients: For patients undergoing organ transplantation or those with compromised immune systems, microbiology services are essential. These patients are more susceptible to infections, and timely identification of potential pathogens helps in early intervention and effective management.

How Long will it Take ?

Microbiology services in hospitals play a crucial role in diagnosing and managing a wide range of infectious diseases. These services involve a series of meticulous procedures aimed at identifying and characterizing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Let’s delve into what happens during a typical microbiology procedure in a hospital setting.

1. Specimen Collection: The process begins with the collection of patient samples, such as blood, urine, sputum, wound swabs, or other bodily fluids or tissues. Proper collection techniques are essential to ensure the integrity of the sample and accurate results.

2. Transportation: Transporting collected specimens to the laboratory promptly is critical to prevent degradation of the sample and maintain the viability of microorganisms. Proper packaging and labeling are necessary to ensure the sample’s traceability and minimize the risk of contamination.

3. Sample Processing: Once the samples reach the laboratory, they undergo various processing steps. This may include centrifugation to separate cells from fluids, homogenization to evenly distribute microorganisms, and other pre-treatment procedures depending on the type of specimen.

4. Isolation and Cultivation: For many microorganisms, cultivating them in a controlled environment is necessary for identification and further analysis. This involves spreading the sample onto appropriate culture media, which encourages the growth of specific types of microorganisms. These cultures are then incubated under optimal conditions to promote microbial growth.

5. Microbial Identification: As the microorganisms grow on the culture media, they form distinctive colonies with unique characteristics. Microbiologists use a combination of morphological, biochemical, and molecular techniques to identify the microorganisms accurately. This step is crucial in determining the pathogen responsible for the infection.

6. Sensitivity Testing: In cases where the isolated microorganisms are bacteria, susceptibility testing may be conducted to determine the most effective antimicrobial treatment. This involves exposing the cultured microorganisms to a range of antibiotics to assess their response and select the appropriate treatment.

7. Molecular Analysis: Advanced techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and other molecular methods are used to identify microorganisms with high precision. These methods are especially useful for detecting fastidious or hard-to-culture microorganisms.

What happen during procedure ?

Microbiology services play a vital role in modern healthcare by providing essential diagnostic and surveillance tools to identify, treat, and prevent infectious diseases. These services are integral to hospitals, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about patient care, infection control, and public health measures. Understanding what happens during a microbiology procedure can shed light on the importance of this service and its impact on patient well-being.

1. Sample Collection: The microbiology procedure begins with the collection of patient samples. These samples can include swabs from various body sites, such as the throat, nose, skin, and wounds, as well as specimens like blood, urine, feces, and cerebrospinal fluid. The choice of sample depends on the suspected infection and the patient’s symptoms. Proper collection techniques are crucial to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results.

2. Transportation and Handling: Once collected, the samples must be transported to the microbiology laboratory under controlled conditions to preserve their integrity. Temperature, humidity, and time factors are considered to prevent any degradation of the samples that might compromise the accuracy of testing. Proper handling protocols are followed to minimize the risk of contamination and maintain the viability of microorganisms present in the samples.

3. Sample Processing: Upon arrival at the laboratory, the samples undergo various processing steps. Solid samples may be streaked onto appropriate culture media to promote the growth of bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. Liquid samples, such as blood or urine, might be centrifuged to concentrate the microbial cells present. This step is crucial for subsequent identification and testing.

4. Culturing and Isolation: Culturing involves placing the processed samples onto specific growth media that encourage the growth of different types of microorganisms. The plates are then incubated under controlled conditions that mimic the optimal environment for microbial growth. After incubation, microbiologists examine the cultures for the presence of colonies, which represent different species of microorganisms.

5. Identification: Identification of microorganisms is a critical step in the procedure. Technological advancements have led to the development of various methods, including biochemical tests, mass spectrometry, and genetic analysis (such as PCR and DNA sequencing). These techniques help microbiologists accurately identify the species and strains of microorganisms present in the samples.

6. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing: For bacterial infections, determining the susceptibility of the isolated microorganisms to different antibiotics is crucial. This testing guides healthcare professionals in choosing the most effective treatment for the patient’s condition. The microbiology laboratory assesses the response of the microorganisms to various antibiotics, helping clinicians make informed decisions about appropriate antibiotic therapy.

7. Reporting and Consultation: After analyzing the results, the microbiology laboratory generates a comprehensive report detailing the identified microorganisms and their susceptibility patterns. This report is sent to the treating physician, who uses the information to tailor the patient’s treatment plan. In complex cases, microbiologists may also provide consultation to healthcare professionals, offering insights into infection management and prevention.

What Happens After The Procedure?

  1. Sample Collection and Transport: After a patient’s sample (e.g., blood, urine, swab) is collected, it’s labeled properly and transported to the microbiology laboratory for analysis. The transportation is usually done under specific conditions to maintain sample integrity.

  2. Microbiology Laboratory Processing: In the laboratory, the sample goes through various steps depending on the type of test being performed. These steps could include culturing the sample on various growth media, staining for microscopic examination, and using various biochemical tests to identify specific microorganisms.

  3. Incubation: If culturing is involved, the samples are placed in incubators set at specific temperatures and conditions that promote the growth of microorganisms. Bacterial colonies or other types of growth can appear on the culture plates.

  4. Microorganism Identification: Once growth occurs, technicians and microbiologists analyze the colonies’ characteristics, such as their appearance, color, texture, and other features. Advanced techniques like mass spectrometry or genetic analysis might also be used for accurate identification.

  5. Antibiotic Sensitivity Testing: If bacteria are identified, their sensitivity to different antibiotics might be tested. This helps guide the choice of appropriate antibiotic treatment if an infection is present.

  6. Reporting: After all necessary tests are conducted and results are interpreted, a report is generated. This report includes information about the microorganisms identified, their quantities (if applicable), and any relevant sensitivity or resistance information.

  7. Medical Interpretation: The microbiology report is then sent to the treating physician. The physician interprets the results in the context of the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They use this information to make treatment decisions.

  8. Treatment Planning: Based on the microbiology results, the physician may adjust the patient’s treatment plan, including prescribing antibiotics, antifungals, or other medications.

  9. Communication: The laboratory might communicate directly with the physician to discuss critical results or provide additional information as needed.

  10. Patient Management: The physician communicates the treatment plan to the patient and monitors their progress. If the patient’s condition improves, the treatment might continue, and if necessary, further tests might be conducted to ensure the infection is fully resolved.

FAQ

Q1: What is Microbiology Treatment at SRMS Hospital?

Microbiology Treatment at SRMS Hospital involves the diagnosis, management, and treatment of infections caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Our skilled medical professionals use advanced techniques to identify the causative agents and provide appropriate treatment plans.

Q2: Who are the specialists involved in Microbiology Treatment?

Our Microbiology Treatment team consists of experienced microbiologists, infectious disease specialists, medical technologists, and other healthcare professionals who work together to accurately diagnose and treat various microbial infections.

Q3: What types of infections are covered under Microbiology Treatment?

Microbiology Treatment at SRMS Hospital covers a wide range of infections, including bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. This includes diseases like respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted infections, skin infections, and more.

Q4: How are infections diagnosed in Microbiology Treatment?

Our team employs state-of-the-art diagnostic methods such as microbial cultures, serological tests, molecular diagnostics, and microscopy to identify the specific microorganisms causing the infection. These tests help tailor the treatment approach for each patient.

Q5: What treatment options are available for microbial infections?

Treatment options depend on the type of infection and its severity. Antibiotics, antiviral medications, antifungal drugs, and antiparasitic agents are commonly prescribed. The choice of treatment is guided by the identified microorganism, the patient’s health status, and potential drug resistance.

Q6: Are there any antimicrobial resistance considerations?

Yes, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant concern. Our microbiology experts at SRMS Hospital are well-versed in choosing appropriate medications to minimize the risk of resistance. They follow guidelines to ensure responsible antibiotic and antimicrobial use.

Q7: How long does Microbiology Treatment usually last?

The duration of treatment varies based on the type and severity of the infection. Some infections may require only a short course of treatment, while others might need longer-term management. Our medical professionals will provide you with a personalized treatment plan.

Q8: Are there any preventive measures recommended?

Absolutely, our specialists emphasize the importance of hygiene, vaccination, and safe practices to prevent the spread of infections. They will provide guidance on how to minimize the risk of contracting and transmitting microbial infections.

Q9: Is Microbiology Treatment available for all age groups?

Yes, Microbiology Treatment at SRMS Hospital is available for patients of all age groups, from infants to the elderly. Our healthcare professionals are experienced in managing infections in diverse patient populations.

Q10: How can I schedule an appointment for Microbiology Treatment at SRMS Hospital?

To schedule an appointment, you can call our hospital’s appointment desk or use our online booking system on the hospital’s official website. Our friendly staff will assist you in setting up a suitable time for your consultation.