The Clinical Bacteriology Unit receives and processes samples seven days a week. Laboratory tests performed within specific diagnostic algorithms identify etiological agents responsible for infections such as meningitis, sepsis, respiratory infections, urinary infections, gastrointestinal, skin and soft tissues infections, etc. by using standard method cultivation, microscopy and advanced biomolecular tests.
The Mycobacteriology Unit runs laboratory test for the isolation and identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis with traditional microscopic and cultivation methods, as well as molecular biology investigations for direct research in biological samples according to current regulations on biocontainment (BSL3 facility). By using last generation technologies, results on Mycobacterium type and antimicrobial resistance are delivered within 48 hours. The diagnosis of latent infection is carried out by immunoassays of new generation.
CLIMVIB also provides the service of “Surveillance of hospital-acquired infections” according to the National Plan of Infections Control. Routine screening tests for “alert germs” and bacterial resistance are performed. All epidemiological data (especially hospital multi-resistant organisms) are monitored by asoftware that promptly alerts departments by notifying them in real-time of the sentinel germ identified, thus facilitating the containment procedures. The hospital map of the infections and antibacterial resistance is evaluated in the clinical departments by audit and quarterly reports in collaboration with the Committee of Hospital-acquired Infections.
The Unit periodically runs microbiological analysis of water circuits of dialysis and environmental controls especially for Legionella.