The microbiology laboratory deals with:

a) Isolation & identification of pathogenic microorganisms and their antimicrobial sensitivity testing.

b) Serological testing for various infectious & autoimmune diseases.

c) Direct smear examination of various specimens to provide an early presumptive diagnosis. This aids in the institution of appropriate antimicrobial therapy at an early stage.

These tests are performed whenever there is a suspicion of an infective agent being the underlying cause of a disease. Relevant samples like blood, urine, sputum etc. are sent to the laboratory. Identification & antimicrobial susceptibility testing by automated machines follow recovery of microorganisms on culture. The microbiologist prescribes appropriate antibiotics based on these results.

The microbiologist also supervises the activities being carried out in the CSSD and organises surveillance programs to keep a check on the rate of infection in the hospital.