The Department of Microbiology provides comprehensive, 24/7 diagnostic and consultative services to support patient care, infection control, and antimicrobial stewardship. The laboratory offers integrated services across bacteriology, mycobacteriology, mycology, parasitology, virology, serology/immunology, and molecular diagnostics.

Core diagnostic services include culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing using automated systems, rapid detection of bloodstream infections through automated blood culture platforms, and advanced pathogen identification techniques. Preliminary blood culture reports are available within 24 hours, facilitating early clinical decision-making. Molecular diagnostics, including PCR-based assays and multiplex syndromic panels, enable rapid detection of pathogens in critical conditions such as sepsis, respiratory infections, and central nervous system infections.

The department provides specialized fungal diagnostics, including biomarker assays for early detection of invasive fungal infections, as well as comprehensive parasitological and serological testing. Laboratory services are designed to ensure timely turnaround of results (TAT), supporting prompt and evidence-based clinical interventions.

The department maintains close clinical integration through daily interaction with ICU teams for antimicrobial optimization, and contributes to regular antibiogram generation to guide empirical therapy. It also supports infection prevention and control (IPC) through surveillance cultures, environmental monitoring, and participation in healthcare-associated infection (HAI) surveillance.

Through its integrated diagnostic, advisory, and surveillance services, the department plays a critical role in clinical decision-making, ICU patient management, and hospital infection control, ensuring improved patient outcomes and rational antimicrobial use.