MICROBIOLOGY
The microbiology department provides comprehensive bacteriological, fungal, mycobacterial culture and serological diagnostic service helping in treatment of patients with infection.
Introduction
The microbiology department provides comprehensive bacteriological, fungal, mycobacterial culture and serological diagnostic service helping in treatment of patients with infection. A wide range of samples like blood, body fluids, urine, pus, respiratory secretions, pre op swabs, catheter tips, tissues, stool etc are received for culture, around 30,000 clinical samples and around 20,000 surveillance samples per year.
Diagnostics
The department has BacT alert automated systems – 120 cells for blood culture specific for adults & paediatric patients thereby helping reduce the turnaround time and results being available after a shortened incubation period of four hours instead of the conventional 24 hours, Mycobacterial culture done using BacT alert automated systems – 60 cells, Automated Vitek 2 Compact system used for identification and susceptibility testing of bacteria and fungus. Anaerobic, Fungal, and Mycobacterial culture of various clinical samples are routinely performed.
The department has set its Quality Objective
To improve the Turnaround time of Gram stain smears from 3-4hrs to 2hrs during Night duty hours & NIL Variance in EQAS report.
Surveillance
The department has been helping in monitoring antibiotic resistance, preventing spread of infections, actively involved in surveillance of theatres, Robotic OT, ICU’s, BMT unit, various wards, CSSD, health care personnel and biomedical waste management for better infection control & conducts continued education for nursing and paramedical staff.
Infection Control
It is a major responsibility of the department, regular review of infections and antibiotic policy to limit the spread of infections & resistance is being done. Following the Institute policy of providing a safe hospital environment for our patients, we ensure adherence of strict infection control practice at all levels of the hospital. Relevant cultures are sent at the first suspicion of infection to identify focus and antibiotic initiation is done after sending cultures. Compliance with antibiotic policy is reviewed periodically & all efforts are made to reduce overall antibiotic use. As part of the NABH journey, we have initiated many quality control activities, all the NABH standards pertaining to the laboratory & Infection Control are being adhered at the department. Quality objective set to improve the Hand hygiene compliance from 70% to 80%. WHO – Infection prevention and control assessment tool & Hand hygiene self-assessment framework are being followed. Surveillance of CLABSI, VAP, SSI & CAUTI is done.
Emergency Cases
Please feel welcome to contact our friendly reception staff with any general or medical enquiry call us.
Opening Hours
Registration Time
Visiting Hours
Infrastructure
Invasive aspergillosis is a serious and often fatal infection in patients who are neutropenic or have undergone solid organ or stem cell transplantation, delayed diagnosis and therapy may lead to poor outcome in these patients. Accurate diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis may improve outcome and assists in early diagnosis by permitting treatment before the infection becomes irreversible. Diagnosis may be facilitated by galactomannan antigen detection using an enzyme immunoassay using rat monoclonal antibodies.
- Pneumatic chute system in sample receiving area
- Laminar Air Flow Workstations for culturing patient samples
- Facility for Fungal Culture with controlled temperature
- Designated area for Hospital Infection Control Activities
- Decontamination area
- Sterilisation area
- Media & Reagent Preparation area
- Serology laboratory
- Hospital Information System for Reporting
BacT – Alert - Automated blood culture system
a qualitative Microbial detection system used for enhanced recovery and detection of aerobic and facultative microorganisms (Bacteria & fungi) from Blood.
Applications
- The BacT /Alert Microbial detection system is used to determine if microorganisms are present in blood taken from a patient suspected of having Bacteremia / Fungemia
- The BacT /Alert system culture bottles provide both a microbial detection system and a culture medium with suitable nutritional & environmental conditions for organisms commonly encountered in blood infections
Principle
- The BacT / Alert utilize a colorimetric sensor and reflected light to monitor the presence and production of Carbon dioxide (Co2) dissolved in culture medium
- If Microorganisms are present in the test sample, CO2 is produced, as the organisms metabolize the substrates in the culture medium
- When growth of microorganisms produces CO2 the color of the gas-permeable sensor installed in the bottom of each culture bottle changes from blue-green to Yellow
- This lighter color results in an increase of reflectance units monitored by the system
- Bottle reflectance is monitored and recorded by the instrument ever 10 minutes
VITEK 2 Automated Identification and Susceptibility testing from Biomerieux, Germany
The VITEK 2 Compact system is dedicated to the identification of bacteria and yeasts and susceptibility testing of clinically significant bacteria.
The system includes the VITEK® 2 Compact instrument, a computer (workstation), and printer.
The software provided with the VITEK® 2 Compact system includes analysis and data-management programs. A bidirectional computer interface transfers results automatically to the user’s laboratory information system (LIS) and to various product and patient reports.
A Quality Control System is available to validate a VITEK® 2 Compact system test kit. An Advanced Expert System™ (Clinical Use) is available to provide online, systematic validation of results and interpretation of resistant phenotypes found during susceptibility testing.
Vitek 2C is automated bacterial and fungal identification and susceptibility system. This is an automated microbiology system utilizing growth-based technology, reducing hands on time for enhanced workflow & rapid reporting. Read More
1. Quality Assurance Manual.
2. Laboratory Safety manual.
3. Standard operating procedures and Policies for each test.
4. Work instructions.
2. External quality assurance
3. Pre – analytic phase
4. Test standardization
5. Post – analytic phase management & organization.
*Corrective & preventive are taken promptly to address any deviations.
hence the following guidelines for prevention & control of COVID-19 were strictly adhered.
Strict implementation of the following are still monitored:
1. Attenders were restricted to 1 per patient by the security staff
2. Wearing of mask, carrying minimal baggage & hand sanitization was made mandatory at the entrance
3. People were scanned through a Thermal scanner & guided to triaging area
4. Social distancing was ensured
5. Biomedical waste disposal and other general infection control measures were monitored
6. Monitoring of OPD, surface cleaning of the chair/ stool/ couches/ tables and other materials after each patient is examined using a checklist was strictly followed
7. Strict monitoring & implementation of the safety measures in the wards was done by Matrons
8. Hand sanitizers were placed in strategic places in both the campuses
9. Bilingual signage in English & Tamil were displayed
2. Applying standard precautions & implementing additional precautions like droplet, contact and airborne precautions.
3. Implementing environmental control, engineering control & administrative controls.
• The support staff engaged in cleaning and disinfection will also wear full complement of PPE.
• Spatial separation of at least 1 meter (3 feet) from one bed to next.
• The access to isolation ward should be through dedicated way.
• Ensure that appropriate hand washing facilities and hand-hygiene supplies are available. Stock the sink area with suitable supplies for hand washing, and with alcohol-based hand rub, near the point of care and the room door.
• Visitors to the isolation ward should be disallowed.
Environmental Cleaning & Disinfection Protocol
Human coronaviruses can remain infectious on surfaces for up to 9 days. COVID-19 virus has been detected after up to 72 hours on plastic and steel, 24 hours on cardboard, 4 hours on copper therefore, cleaning the environment is paramount. Cleaning environmental surfaces with water and detergent and applying commonly used hospital disinfectants (such as sodium hypochlorite) is an effective and sufficient procedure. The following cleaning & disinfection protocol for control & prevention of spread of COVID 19 is strictly being followed in OPD’s, wards, high risk areas – ICU/OT, counter’s, other patient care areas & diagnostic laboratories at both campus.
Many disinfectants are active against enveloped viruses, such as the COVID-19 virus, including commonly used hospital disinfectants.Read More
Services – List, statistics (tables/graphs)
A. Clinical samples
- Microscopy – Gram’s stain, Fungal stain, Ziehl nelson staining etc...
- Aerobic culture – Blood, Sputum, Urine, Stool, Pus, Throat swab, Body fluids, CSF etc.
- Anaerobic culture – Blood, Body fluids, Pus, Tissue etc.
- Fugal culture - Blood, Sputum, Urine, Throat swab, Body fluids, CSF etc.
- Mycobacterial culture – Sputum, BAL, Body fluids etc.
- Automatic ID/AST using Vitek 2 C
- Serology – ASO, RA, CRP, WIDAL
- Mantoux test
- Clostridium difficle GDH Toxin A & B detection test
A. Clinical samples
- Operation Theatre.
- ICU, BMT, Isolation rooms and wards at both campuses.
- Postnasal cultures of OT staff.
- Hand cultures of staff in patient care area.
- Sterility check of blood bank.
- CSSD sterility check of autoclave and ETO.
- Water analysis.
- Food handlers.
| S.NO | SPECIMEN RECEIVED FROM APRIL 2020- MARCH 2021 | No: of specimens |
| 1. | AFB | 112 |
| 2. | AFB Culture | 44 |
| 3. | ASO | 2 |
| 4. | Automated ID/AST (Rapid Culture) | 116 |
| 5. | Ascitic fluid for AFB Culture | 25 |
| 6. | Ascitic fluid for Culture and Sensitivity | 46 |
| 7. | Automated Blood (Central) for Culture and Sensitivity | 727 |
| 8. | Automated Blood (Peripheral) for Culture and Sensitivity | 2386 |
| 9. | Automated Blood for Culture and Sensitivity | 367 |
| 10. | BMA for Culture and Sensitivity | 2 |
| 11. | Bile for Culture and Sensitivity | 26 |
| 12. | Biopsy for Culture and Sensitivity | 04 |
| 13. | Blood WIDAL test | 43 |
| 14. | Blood for Culture and Sensitivity | 133 |
| 15. | Blood for Fungal Culture and Sensitivity | 1 |
| 16. | Bronchial Wash for AFB | 04 |
| 17. | Bronchial Wash for AFB Culture | 4 |
| 18. | Bronchial Wash for Culture and Sensitivity | 24 |
| 19. | CRP | 1656 |
| 20. | CSF for AFB | 41 |
| 21. | CSF for AFB Culture | 09 |
| 22. | CSF for Culture and Sensitivity | 70 |
| 23. | Catheter tip | 11 |
| 24. | Central Line tip | 184 |
| 25. | Central line Blood (Green) for Culture and Sensitivity | 1 |
| 26. | Central line Blood for Culture and Sensitivity | 33 |
| 27. | Clostridium Difficle GDH Toxins A and B | 28 |
| 28. | Culture & Sensitivity | 199 |
| 29. | Culture Of | 3 |
| 30. | ETT Swab for Culture and Sensitivity | 8 |
| 31. | ETT tip | 04 |
| 32. | Enteric Blood for Culture & Sensitivity | 2 |
| 33. | FNAC for AFB | 2 |
| 34. | Fluid for Culture & Sensitivity | 97 |
| 35. | Fungal Culture | 29 |
| 36. | Fungal culture for skin scraping | 1 |
| 37. | Fungal stain | 88 |
| 38. | Gram Stain – direct | 963 |
| 39. | Gram Stain – from samples | 14920 |
| 40. | Mantoux Test | 228 |
| 41. | Other stains | 2 |
| 42. | Pericardial fluid for AFB | 2 |
| 43. | Pericardial fluid for Culture and Sensitivity | 3 |
| 44. | Peripheral line Blood for Culture and Sensitivity | 35 |
| 45. | Peritoneal fluid for AFB | 4 |
| 46. | Peritoneal fluid for AFB culture | 1 |
| 47. | Peritoneal fluid for Culture and Sensitivity | 03 |
| 48. | Pleural fluid for AFB | 79 |
| 49. | Pleural fluid for AFB Culture | 27 |
| 50. | Pleural fluid for Culture and Sensitivity | 92 |
| 51. | Pre-OP Swab for Culture | 17 |
| 52. | Pus for Culture and Sensitivity | 109 |
| 53. | Pus swab for Culture and Sensitivity | 116 |
| 54. | RA Factor | 11 |
| 55. | Sputum for AFB X 3 days | 146 |
| 56. | Sputum for AFB Culture | 52 |
| 57. | Sputum for Culture and Sensitivity | 510 |
| 58. | Sputum for Fungal culture | 5 |
| 59. | Sputum in Tracheal Tube | 33 |
| 60. | Stem Cell Culture | 43 |
| 61. | Stool Hanging Drop Method | 10 |
| 62. | Stool for Culture and Sensitivity | 1168 |
| 63. | Throat Swab for Culture and Sensitivity | 14 |
| 64. | Tissue for Culture and Sensitivity | 57 |
| 65. | Urine for Culture and Sensitivity | 2472 |
| 66. | Urine for fungal culture | 7 |
| 67. | Vaginal Swab for Culture and sensitivity | 2 |
| 68. | Viral Diagnostic | 4 |
| 69. | Wound Swab for Culture and Sensitivity | 234 |
| 70. | Anaerobic cultures | 166 |
| 71. | Operation theatre surveillance | 15246 |
| 72. | Ward / personnel | 2532 |
| 73. | CSSD | 1802 |
| 74. | ICU/ BMT | 726 |
| 75. | Water analysis | 2432 |
| 76. | Blood bank | 130 |
| Total | 50,935 | |
Standard - HIC 6g - Feedback regarding surveillance data - infection rates / trends in HIS
Academic activities
- In service training for all category of staffs.
- Training for students from outside colleges – observership
Staff Members
Dr. Manjula
(MD Micro)
Dr. Shirley Sundersingh
(M.D, Pathology)
| 1 | Mrs. Varalakshmi | (M.Sc Medical Micro) | Infection Control Officer, Assistant Director(Admin) |
| 2 | Mrs. Harini | (M.Sc Medical Micro) | Scientific Assistant |
| 3 | Mrs. Saraswathy | (M.Sc Applied Micro) | Scientific Assistant |
| 4 | Ms. Samudhra | (MSc Medical Micro) | Junior Scientific Assistant |
| 5 | Ms. Kalaiselvi | (B.Sc Applied Micro) | Technologist |
| 6 | Mrs. Valarmathi | (B.Sc, DMLT) | Technician |
| 7 | Mrs. Meena | (B.Sc MLT) | Technician |
| 8 | Mr. Vijayaragavan | (DMLT) | Technician |
| 9 | Ms. Monika | (DMLT) | Technician |
| 10 | Ms. Jhansi Rani | (B.Sc, DMLT) | Technician |
Quick Contacts
Please feel free to contact our friendly staff with any medical enquiry.
- Emergency Line: (044) 2220 9150
- No:38, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai - 20
- Registration Time - 7AM to 11AM
