Overview The Department of Microbiology plays a fundamental role in patient care, and impacts nearly all aspects of patient care, from diagnosing and managing infectious diseases by accurate laboratory testing. Our faculties play a key role in antibiotic stewardship and hospital infection prevention and control activities. Our services are designed to meet the growing demands of modern healthcare, aiding clinicians in early diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and disease surveillance.
We are strongly committed to academic excellence and the training of future healthcare professionals. It provides a structured learning environment that integrates theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory experience in diagnostic microbiology techniques. Students are actively trained in standard laboratory procedures, quality control practices interpretation of results, and infection prevention measures. The department also promotes critical thinking, research orientation, and adherence to biosafety and ethical standards, ensuring the development of competent and responsible professionals.
The clinical laboratory is located on the ground floor of the Chavara block and the academic section is located on the 3rd floor of the medical college block. The molecular laboratory is also located on the 3rd floor of the medical college block.
The department has a team of 9-member faculty, assisted by 22 technicians, 2 clerical staff, and 3 service staff. We have incorporated full-fledged infrastructural facilities, equipments and staff as per NMC regulation for annual intake of hundred students for MBBS course.
Vision: To be a pioneering center of excellence in microbiology, advancing patient care, research, and education. We envision a future where our molecular methods and diagnostic expertise contribute significantly to global health.
Mission: Our mission is threefold
The Microbiology Laboratory is accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) which includes Bacteriology, Virology, Immunology and Molecular biology tests. Around 44,000 samples in Bacteriology, 5000 samples in Mycology , 35,000 samples in Serology, 70,000 samples in virology and 4000 samples in molecular biology are reported annually. The department participates in Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network organised by WHO to ensure representative AMR data from Amala IMS. The data of notifiable diseases are provided to IDSP.
The Department of Microbiology participates in the external quality assurance programmes on a regular basis, namely :
Our Bacteriology department is well-equipped with advanced automated systems for the detection and identification of infectious agents.
We utilize the BACT/ALERT system for automated blood culture, enabling early and sensitive detection of bloodstream infections.
For organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, we use the VITEK system, which provides rapid and accurate results to support effective clinical management.
Additionally, we employ BioFire Film Array technology for rapid molecular detection of pathogens, allowing simultaneous identification of multiple organisms directly from clinical samples.
Our Mycobacteriology section offers both conventional and molecular diagnostic methods for tuberculosis detection.
We perform culture using Lowenstein–Jensen culture, isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
For rapid diagnosis, we utilize CBNAAT, which detects Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in a short time.
We also offer TrueNat, a portable molecular platform providing quick and reliable results, especially useful for early diagnosis.
Our Serology section is equipped with advanced immunoassay systems for precise detection of various disease markers.
We use the Abbott Architect platform, based on Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) technology, offering high sensitivity and specificity.
In addition, Turbidimetry is employed for quantitative analysis, ensuring efficient and accurate processing of samples.
Our Molecular Biology section provides advanced nucleic acid-based diagnostics for a wide range of infectious diseases.
We utilize an open PCR system, the QIAGEN Rotor-Gene Q, which enables sensitive and specific detection of microbial DNA and RNA.
Additionally, we offer CBNAAT and TrueNat, which are used for rapid detection of a wide variety of organisms, ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.
Our institution provides excellent infrastructure to support student learning and practical training.
A separate student laboratory is available, designed to be modern and spacious, and fully equipped with all necessary facilities to enable hands-on learning and skill development.
We also have a state-of-the-art museum that serves as an important educational resource, helping students to understand various specimens and concepts in a visual and interactive manner.
In addition, a dedicated demonstration room is available for teaching sessions, discussions, and practical demonstrations, enhancing the overall learning experience.
QIAGEN Rotor-Gene Q
Museum
Museum
Museum
Mycology Reading
Students Lab
BACT/ALERT SYSTEM
Abbott Architect
Lecture Hall
Culture and sensitivity (KB method and Automated) for samples including Blood, Body fluids ( synovial fluid, aspirate fluid, pleural fluid, ascitic fluid and bile),CSF, Urine, Sputum, Faeces, High vaginal swab, Pus, Tissues, Central line Tip. Staining methods- Gram's, Ziehl- Neelsen, Giemsa etc
AFB staining , LJ medium culture and molecular methods like CBNAAT and TRUENAT.
Fungal staining and fungal culture for identification of fungal diseases.
Diagnosis of viral diseases like HIV, Hepatitis A, B, C & E, Dengue IgM and NS1 by serological methods. Molecular methods includes HBV, HCV, CMV and EBV by both qualitative and quantitative methods, SARS CoV2, HIV viral load, Tropical fever panel and Sepsis panel
Chemiluminescent micro particle immuno assay (CMIA) for detection of Anti-HIV, Anti-HCV ,HBsAg , HAV and ACCP.
ELISA- Leptospira IgM,HEV,Anti dsDNA
Turbidimetry-CRP,RA,C3,C4,ASO
Rapid Tests- Anti-HIV 1 and 2, HBsAg, Anti HCV, Dengue rapid card test, C.difficile toxin detection
Other tests-Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination Assay(TPHA) , ANA Profile ( Immunoblot), Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR), WIDAL, Galactomannan test
Open PCR- includes HBV, HCV, CMV and EBV by both qualitative and quantitative methods, SARS CoV2, PCP , Tropical fever panel and sepsis panel
TRUENAT-H3N2/H1N1,HLA B27,MTB,Salmonella,Leptospira,Scrub typhus, HPV, Chlamydia, Dengue
CBNAAT- HIV viral load, MTB, HPV, HCV, HBV
