Microbiology

The department processes in excess of 460,000 samples per annum that span the range of microbiology tests. The in-house services offered by the department include:

  • Bacteriology: Microscopy and culture a range of samples, including swabs, sterile fluids, urines, faeces, and tissue samples.
  • Sensitivity testing on significant isolates.
  • Mycobacterial culture and microscopy.
  • Helicobacter pylori faecal antigen detection.
  • Serology: A wide range of tests including Antenatal Screening; Blood-borne Virus testing; EBV; CMV; Hepatitis A; Rubella, VZV, and HBV immunity tests; Measles; Syphilis; anti-streptolysin O testing;
  • Virology: RSV detection; Immunofluorescence for Flu A and B, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, RSV; Rotavirus and Adenovirus in stool samples;
  • Molecular: MRSA; Flu A and B; Mycobacterium tuberculosis (including rifampicin resistance); Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoea; Norovirus; Herpes 1 and 2 viruses. Fungal/Parasite:
  • Microscopy for faecal and urinary parasites.
  • Entomological samples.
  • Microscopy and culture for fungal pathogens.