Microbiology and Parasitology Unit

Direct and stained examinations, antigen tests, and the culture and species-level identification of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, can be performed 24 hours a day in our Microbiology laboratory under the supervision of a specialist physician and by our competent staff. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of microorganisms grown from all types of patient samples (throat, urine, blood, urogenital samples, CSF, sputum, wounds, etc.) is carried out, and culture and antibiogram results are provided within 24–48 hours. Blood cultures are monitored with an automated growth-detection device (RENDER-BC128 Fully Automatic Blood Culture Device), ensuring rapid results. Furthermore, agents such as Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma, which are studied from urogenital materials and cannot be grown in routine cultures, can be grown on special culture media, and their antibiotic susceptibilities can be determined.

In the microorganism identification process, automated kits and computer programs are used in addition to conventional methods. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibilities are studied both by the classic Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method and with an automated system, and reporting is performed with MIC values according to the criteria of The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Rapid antigen tests can be used to detect certain bacteria (Strep A antigen, Pneumococcal antigen, Legionella antigen, Chlamydia antigen, Clostridium difficile toxin A, H. pylori, etc.), certain viral antigens (Rotavirus, Adenovirus, Norovirus, RSV, Influenza A-B, etc.), and parasitic agents (Amoeba-Giardia antigen). Parasite examination of stool is performed using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration method. In addition, PCR testing for certain specialized microorganisms (HPV and genotyping, HSV 1-2, Syphilis, etc.) is performed in collaboration with contracted laboratories.

Furthermore, acid-fast bacilli (AFB) staining specific to tuberculosis bacteria and tuberculosis culture inoculation on Lowenstein-Jensen medium are performed on all types of specimens.

Semen analysis (spermiogram) testing is also carried out in coordination with our IVF unit, and morphology and motility are assessed in accordance with WHO (World Health Organization) criteria. In addition, when requested, morphological assessment according to Kruger strict criteria using a special sperm stain is available, as well as sperm washing and preparation for insemination (IUI) using swim-up techniques.