1. CULTURE AND SENSITIVITY TESTING: This involves the isolation and cultivation of microorganisms from clinical specimens such as blood, urine, sputum, wound swabs, and cerebrospinal fluid. Microorganisms are grown on specialized agar plates under controlled conditions to facilitate their identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

2. MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATION: Microscopy techniques, such as Gram staining, acid-fast staining, and fungal staining, are used to visualize microorganisms directly in clinical specimens or in cultures. Microscopic examination provides rapid preliminary identification of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and other microorganisms.

3. IDENTIFICATION OF BACTERIA, FUNGI, AND PARASITES: Various biochemical, immunological, and molecular techniques are employed to identify microorganisms isolated from clinical specimens. Biochemical tests assess metabolic characteristics, while immunological assays detect specific antigens or antibodies. Molecular methods, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing, provide rapid and accurate identification of microorganisms.

4. ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING (AST): AST determines the susceptibility of bacterial isolates to specific antibiotics or antimicrobial agents. Standardized methods, such as disk diffusion and broth microdilution, are used to assess the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of antibiotics against bacterial pathogens. Results guide the selection of appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

5. MYCOBACTERIAL CULTURE AND DRUG SUSCEPTIBILITY TESTING: Specialized culture and susceptibility testing methods are used to isolate and identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis and other mycobacterial species. Drug susceptibility testing helps determine the most effective treatment regimens for tuberculosis and other mycobacterial infections.

6. MYCOLOGY: The microbiology section performs culture and identification of fungal pathogens from clinical specimens. Techniques such as fungal culture, microscopic examination, and molecular methods are used to detect and identify fungal species responsible for superficial, systemic, or opportunistic infections.

7. PARASITOLOGY: Parasitology services include the detection and identification of parasitic organisms in clinical specimens, such as stool, blood, and tissue samples. Techniques such as direct microscopic examination, concentration methods, and antigen detection assays are used to diagnose parasitic infections.

8. VIROLOGY: Virology services involve the detection and identification of viral pathogens using culture, antigen detection, serological assays, and molecular methods. Viral cultures are performed on specialized cell lines to isolate and identify viruses responsible for respiratory, gastrointestinal, and systemic infections.

9. MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS: Molecular methods, including nucleic acid amplification techniques such as PCR, real-time PCR, and nucleic acid sequencing, are used for the rapid and sensitive detection of bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Molecular diagnostics offer high sensitivity and specificity and are essential for detecting fastidious or difficult-to-culture microorganisms.

10. QUALITY CONTROL AND ASSURANCE: The microbiology section implements rigorous quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results. Quality assurance programs monitor the performance of laboratory procedures, equipment, and personnel to maintain high standards of diagnostic accuracy and patient care.