SCOPE OF SERVICES:
Clinical Microbiology encompasses several disciplines including Bacteriology, Mycobacteriology, Mycology, Parasitology, Virology and Serology. The overall objective of these disciplines is to provide rapid and reliable Clinical Laboratory services that are helpful in diagnosing and treating patients with different infectious etiologies, taking into consideration the clinical relevance and cost effective value of the tests performed.
The bacteriology section utilizes a variety of tests based on microscopy, routine and special cultures, kit-methods ( based on detection of antigens related to the infectious etiology) as well as performing different antimicrobial susceptibility assays that are helpful for appropriate therapy. These methods are used in adequately controlled manner to diagnose a wide spectrum of infectious diseases including the central nervous system infection, bacteremia, pneumonia, surgical infection, skin and soft tissue infection, nosocomial infection, urinary tract infection, gastrointestinal and genital tract infections.
The spectrum of targeted microorganisms includes aerobic, anaerobic and microaerophilic bacteria, mycobacteria and fungi.
The section works closely with the medical staff especially those in infectious diseases and immediately relay critical results such as positive CSF smear or culture, blood culture, Acid Fast Stain or mycobacterial culture, Salmonella and Shigella culture in stool specimens.
The section also provides services in collaboration with the infection control program and public health authorities to investigate, detect and monitor for possible microbial outbreaks in order to control their spread.
The reliability of testing is emphasised based on applying a wide range of quality control procedures and results verification. Moreover, the section is enrolled in an external proficiency testing program for this endeavor.
The mission of the section includes also continuing education to medical and paramedical staff about a variety of topics including the proper collection and handling of clinical specimens. Moreover, the section is actively involved in training medical technologists, residents and other professionals, as well as in research and development that ultimately benefit patient care.
The working hours and staffing of shifts in the bacteriology section are as follows:
· Day duty shift, 8:00 am- 5:00 pm, Mon � Fri ( Full staff),
· Evening shift, 5:00 pm-12:00 pm ( one technologist),
· Night shift, 12:00 pm- 8:00am ( 1 technologist shared with other sections).
Skeletal staff are available on weekends and holidays to primarily process specimens from emergency/ urgent cases and new admissions.