A patient’s sample being screened for bacterial and viral pathogens

Medical Microbiology involves the analysis of a wide range of different types of patient’s samples for the presence of disease causing, (pathogenic), micro-organisms; organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Tests used to detect infections involve a number of different procedures including, microscopy, isolation on culture media, or by the detection of antibodies raised against an infecting organism.

Antimicrobial susceptibility tests are performed on isolates to determine the most suitable antibiotic to treat an infection.

The department also works closely with the Infection Control Team to help prevent the spread of infections.