Equipped with cutting-edge technology and backed by the expertise of skilled doctors & technologists, the Department of Pathology & Microbiology is one of its kind in the country with a service list of more than 500 tests. The department comprises of four sections namely Biochemistry, Immunology, Clinical Pathology & Microbiology.

We provide the complete range of diagnostic services for all age-groups of patients, using the latest equipment and techniques. With the highest quality of testing process, a strong background of daily quality control and excellent clinical interpretation skills of our faculty, the Department of Pathology & Microbiology provides a strong foundation for expert care at the hands of our experienced specialists.

Technology and Services

A strong well established laboratory quality assurance programme with strict daily two level internal quality control checks as well as monthly external quality control checks with the international and national comparison is the core to the functioning of the department. The presence of the “Random Access” mode in most of our instruments allows ensuring minimum turnaround time (TAT) as samples can be processed one at a time instead of batch processing. The laboratory has the provision of standby equipments to prevent any delays in sample processing in case of technical breakdowns. Instruments are bi-directionally interfaced to improve workflow, reduce errors and prompt reporting to the clinical team.

Biochemistry

The department has high end fully automated instruments like Fusion 5.1 from Ortho Clinical Diagnostics which have both Dry Chemistry as well as turbidimetric technology for routine and special tests like ApoA, ApoB, Lp(a), Homocysteine, HbA 1c, Micro Albumin etc. Accurex Photometer is used to perform specialized rare tests like C3, C4, IgA, IgG, IgM, ADA, SACE, Acid Phosphatase etc. For blood gas analysis, the latest instrument of Radiometer 800. A fully automated Interlab G26 electrophoresis instrument is used for serum electrophoresis and Immunofixation.

Immunology

For immunodiagnosis, the latest available instruments Vitros 3600 and Vitros ECI-Q, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, are used. This technology is based on the principle of enhanced chemiluminescence. Tests like Tumor Markers, Hormones, HIV, Hepatitis Markers etc., are being performed on this instrument with accurate results. We also have VIDAS (Biomeriux), which uses the ELFA principle, especially for HIV DUO, TORCH IgG & IgM, Rota Virus, C-difficile, IgE, etc.

A fully automated ELISA processor (CHORUS) is available for special tests and autoimmune markers like Mycoplasma antibodies, Anti Glomerular Antibodies, ENA Profile, P -ANCA & C- ANCA, Anti Cardiolipin Antibodies, Anti Thyroid Antibodies, dsDNA etc.. In addition to this, the Department is equipped with a “research grade” fluorescent and phase contrast microscope for performing some special Immunoflourescent based markers like ANA and ASMA.

Newborn screening for Galactosemia, Phenylketonuria, Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Hypothyroidism and Biotinidase deficiency is also performed in the laboratory for early detection of metabolic disorders in the newborn. These tests are done using the dried blood spot method from a heel prick to support the healthy development of the baby and prevent irreversible damages.

Microbiology

Automated continuous monitoring blood culture systems, BACTEC FX(400) is used for blood and sterile body fluid cultures. The Vitek 2 Compact for identification and susceptibility system is used for bacteria and fungi. The results are obtained in the form of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), which is of great advantage to clinicians from the therapeutic point of view. For T.B. culture MGIT 960 (currently approved technique by WHO & US FDA) is used. In addition to this, the department has the GeneXpert system, a novel bench top real time PCR system for detection of TB and resistance to Rifampicin. We have also recently acquired, Biofire a film array based on Syndromic approach to diagnose a variety of infections of the respiratory tract, Gastrointestinal tract & the central nervous system. The advantage of both our molecular assay systems is the fast turn around time with the availability of results within 12 hours. The Microbiology team is also actively involved in Hospital Infection Control.