About Department
The Department of Microbiology, Shaikh-UL-Hind Maulana Mahmood Hasan Medical College is a perfect blend of Academic, Diagnostic and Research activities. The Department is headed by Dr. Anil Kumar. The faculty actively participates in teaching and corrective evaluation of undergraduate students throughout the year. The first batch of MBBSpassed in 2020 and the degree is recognized by MCI as per letter noNMC/MCI/34(41)(Rg-14)/2019-Med./000163
Clinical Microbiology diagnostic set up of the department is very strong and is monitored by the faculty in charge of each section. The faculty members are also actively involved in research in various fields of Microbiology and have published numerous papers both in National as well as International peer reviewed Journals.
The laboratories in the Department include different sections like Bacteriology, Parasitology, Mycology, Infectious disease Serology, Virology, Immunology, Mycobacteriology and Molecular Biology which are fully functional round the clock. All laboratories of department are well equipped with almost all the basic and advanced facilities for clinical diagnostics and research such as Truenat testing for MDR TB Detection, RT PCR for COVID–19, ELISA for Dengue, Real Time PCR for viral load assay. The Department of Microbiology also has a fully functional ICTC, NTEP and hospital infection control unit.
MILESTONES :
1. COVID MILESTONES:
In July 2020 Covid 19 testing started with Ag detection-RDT&Truenat testing methods followed by Aug 2020where we started COVID-19 samplestesting by RTPCR with A fully equipped lab capable of testing > 3000 samples per day. It was untiring journey of a year 2020 from 25 samples/day to >4000 samples /day. This is the Nodal lab (State Reference Lab) of Saharanpur UP which is a huge task considering Saharanpur population which is >35 lakhsin the district.
2. VIROLOGY MILESTONES (OTHER THAN COVID):
Besides COVID-19 testing, the lab also conducts serological and molecular testing and is one of the centers for "National Viral Hepatitis Control program". It is also one of the state level laboratories of DHR that has always been on the forefront for conducting outbreak investigations, be it Dengue, Chikungunya, etc providing diagnostic services for in and out patients visiting hospitals attached to SMMH Medical College. The facility provides accurate diagnosis within 24-48 hours of receipt of samples thereby facilitating patient tailored treatment. The lab has State of the Art BSL- 2 facility armed with latest technology diagnostic equipment like Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction Machines & Real time PCR machines, ELISA and Truenatassay systems etc. It has the technical expertise to diagnose pathogenic viruses using serological, molecular methods. lab also is a recognised centre for Testing for acute and chronic viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B and C).
3. Bacteriology:
Clinical Bacteriology diagnostic laboratory is involved in isolation and identification of wide range of bacterial pathogens from different clinical samples. Bacterial antibiotic susceptibility testing is performed to identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria and determine optimal therapeutic options by latest Clinical Laboratory Standard Guidelines (CLSI). The lab ensures accurate identification and timely reporting and prevention of infections. Other activities include culture media preparation, media & glass ware sterilization, etc. A large number of locally isolated and standard bacterial cultures are maintained. Standard CLSI guidelines are followed in reporting and laboratory SOP is also available.
4. Tuberculosis laboratory:
Tuberculosis (TB) laboratory is one of the most technologically advanced laboratories in State that provides highest quality and consultative diagnostic services for Tuberculosis. The laboratory is proud to be recognized as "Intermediate Reference Laboratory" and it supports the State TB Control Programme with its diagnostic services, training, supervisory and external quality assurance services (to district/ peripheral laboratories) and advisory services since 2006.
Over time, TB laboratory has expanded its facility, services and capacity. Currently with capacity of about 40 tests per day, the laboratory offers nucleic acid amplification test by Truenat. The continued commitment of laboratory to excellence is demonstrated through technically advanced equipments (Truenat), specialized lab facilities (like BSL-2), LIMS for better patient care and laboratory operation, trusted service delivery by professional and highly trained staff. All laboratory services are supported by State TB Cell, U.P., Central TB Division, MoHFW, New Delhi.
The laboratory also provides training and research opportunity and conducts CME / workshops time-to time for clinicians, scientist and laboratory professionals.
5. Serology Lab:
Various serological tests including VDRL, RPR, WIDAL, ASO titres, CRP and RA factorare being done routinely in this laboratory. Numerous ELISAs are carried out including for Scrub typhus, Brucellosis, Typhi dot, Leptospirosis, Dengue.
6. Mycology Lab:
The clinical mycology laboratory helps in the diagnosis of various fungal infections in patients coming from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, its adjoining places. This laboratory very efficiently helps in the diagnosis of deep, systemic, superficial and subcutaneous mycosis. Fungal infections are detected Identification of fungi is done by conventional method in in HIV patients, Ventilator associated fungal infections and Eumycetoma. To keep a check on the quality of work, mycology lab also does internal quality control assurance.
7. HIV lab and ICTC:
This lab enjoys the status of State Reference Laboratory. The lab is equipped with all the modern equipment and has facilities for performing pre and post-testcounselling, rapid tests, and samples outsourced for CD4 counts, HIV viral loads etc.
8. Hospital Infection Surveillance:
There is an active hospital Infection Surveillance team. Samples are collected from various Operation theatres/wards etc. Quantitative air sampling of surgical OT's is done by air sampler. Laboratory participates in active bacteriological surveillance in Operation theatres and various wards of the hospital. Hospital infection control lab is also responsible for preparation of antibiogram for the associated hospitals half yearly. Research work is carried out on antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens at phenotypic and genotypic level and molecular typing of bacterial isolates is also done for hospital acquired infections.
9. Parasitology:
The clinical diagnostic parasitology laboratory is well-equipped laboratory, which offers service for the identification of a wide range of human parasites from various clinical specimens. Routine diagnostic services are available for malaria, filarial, intestinal parasites, stool examination, etc. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are available for Malaria.