The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory

Diagnosis of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, yeasts, molds, and parasites through testing that is conducted on a wide range of samples (blood, urine, stool, respiratory secretions, genital specimens, eye and throat swabs, wound swabs, etc.). The laboratory collaborates closely with the Infectious Diseases Department to efficiently manage cases of severe infection, emphasizing the provision of accurate and rapid laboratory results.

The laboratory employs all standard methods (staining and microscopy, culturing on media for isolation and identification). In most cases, pathogen identification is carried out using the MALDI-TOF method. Where necessary, molecular methods such as PCR and DNA sequencing are used for bacterial (16srRNA gene) and fungal (18srRNA gene) identification.

Determining antibiotic susceptibility - a critical test for optimizing patient treatment - is performed routinely in the laboratory using the disk diffusion method. For challenging infections, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) can be determined using E-Test and Micro-Broth Dilution methods.

Additionally, the laboratory carries out activities to prevent infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria acquired in healthcare settings (Nosocomial Infections).

Most of the research is in the field of clinical microbiology and is conducted in collaboration with physicians or specialists at the hospital, as part of national or international collaborations.

List of publications