The laboratory

The Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology, Virology and Bioemergencies, headed by Prof. Maria Rita Gismondo, is responsible for the microbiological diagnostic activities of the Hospital. It is equipped to carry out the traditional culture tests for bacteriology, mycology and parasitology, but also performs the most innovative molecular biology tests for the diagnosis of infectious diseases. 

It is particularly experienced in the diagnosis of viral hepatitis (A, B, C, Delta) and HIV infection and it counts on cutting-edge equipment for the rapid diagnosis of bacterial culture and mycobacterial infections (tuberculosis and other mycobacteriosis). Moreover, the laboratory is specialized in the control of antibiotic and antiretroviral resistance. In addition, the laboratory is implementing an interactive window that allows online communication with users (doctors, specialists, and patients). 

Our facilities include fully equipped high containment facilities, including BSL3 and BSL4 laboratories and was listed as one of the two national reference laboratories for the response to bioterrorism and pandemics. 
Beside the routine lab work, the department is responsible for a wide variety of activities and services including university courses within University of Milan and other educational activities, as well as research in the field of biorisk management, and international projects in the field of CBRN safety and security and medical emergency response after CBRN events. 

Today the laboratory, thanks to the work of its team of doctors, technicians and researchers, has become a platform to discuss about new tools, new trends and new implementation opportunities on biosafety and biosecurity. 

The Institution continues to strive for improvements in harmonization and raising levels of biosafety and biosecurity standards and it is committed to producing accurate analysis and strategic programmes on the subject. CLIMVIB participates to several national and international quality control programs including Programmi di Valutazione Esterna della Qualità (VEQ) of Regione Lombardia, UK NEQAS Group, Regional Programme for Tuberculosis, national project SMIRA for quality control of Mycobacteria antibiograms. IQNet and its partner CISQ/IMQ-CSQ certify that the laboratory of Microbiology, Virology and bioemergency has implemented and maintains a Quality Management System which fulfils the requirements of the following standards ISO 9001:2008. 

CLIMVIB BSL-3 facilities consist of two different labs. While the first one is in the old headquarters and it is now used for training purposes, the second one has been launched in July 2014 and it is mainly used for diagnostic purposes. The new BSL-3 laboratory abides by the highest international safety and security standards. It has a Class II B biosafety cabinet and other safety features include a negative pressure environment, sealed surfaces, a double-door autoclave, and an anteroom where personal protective equipment is put on. Such facility is used for different activities including the study of mycobacteria drug resistance, work with class 3 pathogens like Coxiella burnetti, Burkholderia mallei, Francisella tularensis, West Nile virus, as well as for any other activity that requires BSL-3 safety and security standards according to both the facility risk assessment and the relevant regulations. The entire laboratory staff is trained to safely work in the BSL-3 lab. 

BSL4 Laboratory activities include the viral insulation in case of ongoing viral infections of hemorrhagic fevers (class 4 agents) and other diagnostic tests that cannot be performed in the BSL3 laboratory. The dedicated staff is trained regularly to the use class 4 PPE and to work in conditions of maximum safety and security. The facility is also exploited for training purposes during biosafety training courses designed and implemented for the benefit of medical doctors, lab staff and technicians from different countries of the world. As L. Sacco University Hospital is one of the two national reference structures for the response to medical emergencies related to infectious diseases, the staff of the BSL4 laboratory is often involved in exercises at national level. For example, the staff was recently involved in the national exercise for the hospitalization of patients with hemorrhagic fever Ebolavirus.