Pathology & Biochemistry
The Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Biochemistry has a 5-member faculty, assisted by 13 technicians, 2 clerical staff, and 1 service staff. The department provides the diagnostic services of Surgical Pathology, Cytology (including FNAC), and Clinical Biochemistry, Clinical Pathology Clinical Microbiology, Immunology and Serology to the Hospital.
The Department works round the clock with OPD hours from 7am – 6pm and emergency services for 24 hours.
In addition, the Department is involved in teaching Pathology to technicians and nursing staff of the hospital. The Microbiology Department plays an important part in Infection control committee in the hospital. The Biochemistry Department lends full support to the Research activities conducted in the Institution.
Diagnostic services provide reports on over 45,000 blood specimens, around 1000 CSF specimens 450 surgical specimens , and 400 cytology specimens (including FNACs) annually. The Department has facilities for intra-operative consultation with Stereotactic biopsy service. Immunocytochemistry stains are routinely done outside and reported here.
The consultant staff includes an Honorary Pathologist with an experience of 40 years, a senior pathologist who is trained in Neuropathology, a part time pathologist whose areas of interest include Cytology, Quality control and Automation and process excellence . Microbiology is headed by an enthusiastic microbiologist with special interest in bacteriology. Biochemistry is ably managed by a Senior Biochemist whose experience in Laboratory management is a source of inspiration to the Department staff.
Microbiology department is progressing by leaps and bounds since last one year. The number of samples are increasing and the patients are beings benefited by the services available in the department. The department has added many investigations to its list which includes
- Automated Blood and CSF cultures done on BacT Alert System,
- TB culture,
- fungal cultures,
- MIC determination for Vancomycin,
- Antibiotic sensitivity with detection of resistance mechanism like ESBL, VRE, Inducible Clindamycin Resistance, and
- C.difficile toxin detection assay.
The department works in coordination with the Infection Control department and has standardized different related tests like
- Air sampling,
- MRSA screening,
- disinfectant testing,
- Soap testing etc.
The department will soon be having facility for automated Rapid Identification and MIC testing.
The department has enrolled itself in the annual EQAS (external quality assurance) Programme conducted by IAMM since last one year and has achieved good grades. We aim to consistently upgrade ourselves with advanced techniques .
In Biochemistry Department nearly all biochemical tests necessary in the common diseases are done daily. Most of the routine parameters like
- Kidney function tests
- Liver function tests
- Lipid profiles etc. are processed on fully automated biochemistry analyzer.
- Blood gases,
- Electrolytes
- SOB and other emergency investigations are done round the clock.
Department is equipped with:-
1) IMMULITE 1000 - IMMUNOASSAY SYSTEM (SIEMENS):
2) BLOOD GAS & LECTROLYTE ANALYSER - ABL 800 BASIC (RADIOMETER)
3) MISP NANO - BS 200 (AGAPEE)
3) MINI VIDAS - (BIOMERIEUX)
4) TRIAGE METER (ALERE)
5) NYCOCARD READER-II (AXIS SHIELD)
6) ERBA CHEM -5 PLUS V-2 ( TRANSASIA )
Department also performs some specialized tests like Vitamin B-12 , 25 OH Vitamin D- Total , Homocysteine, Procalcitonin, Phenytoin level etc. Biochemistry department is also assisting in research work conducted by CIIMS research department. Recently some inflammation markers like IL-2R, IL-6, IL-10, HSCRP, TNF – an etc. has been started for research purpose.
Quality control is maintained and monitored by internal and external quality assurance programs.
We participate in EQAS program conducted by CMC Vellore to enhance the quality of reports.
Department aims to deliver excellent, cost effective reports for patients care within a clinically relevant turnaround time. .
6) Giving quality reports is the main aim of the Biochemistry Department.
Quality Control : – The Department has enrolled for EQAS program for Hematology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Histopathology.
Research Activities :- The Department is actively involved in ongoing research activities conducted in the Institution.
Teaching and Training:– The Department regularly gives technical training to DMLT, interns, DMLT students, nursing staff and junior doctors.
THE EMERGENCY SERVICES OF THIS DEPARTMENT ARE AVAILABLE ROUND THE CLOCK AND OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS CAN ALSO UTILIZE THE FACILITIES.
