A strong well established laboratory quality assurance programme with strict daily two level internal quality control checks (Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology & Molecular Biology as per NABL recommendations) as well as monthly external quality control checks with international and national comparison (College of American Pathologists - US (Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular biology), Biorad- US (Biochemistry), Randox-US (Immunology), CMC Vellore- Hooghly (Microbiology) is the core to the functioning of the department.

Presence of the “Random Access” mode in most of our instruments allows ensuring minimum turnaround time (TAT) as samples can be processed one at a time instead of batch processing. The laboratory has the provision of standby equipments to prevent any delays in sample processing in case of technical breakdowns. Instruments are bi-directionally interfaced to improve workflow, reduce errors and prompt reporting to the clinical team.

The department has high end fully automated instruments like XT 7600 & XT 3400 from Ortho Clinical Diagnostics which have both Dry Chemistry as well as turbidimetric technology for routine Biochemistry Analysis. Special tests like Procalcitonin, Cystatin C, hormones, free light chain assays, newer cardiac markers high sensitive Troponin I, CKMB-Mass, NT ProBNP, BNP, ketones etc.

We also have Capillary Electrophoresis to perform Electrophoresis and immunotyping for proteins. Arterial Blood gas analyzers with co-oximetry to diagnose special conditions like methhemoglobenaemia etc. Osmometer and Semi auto analysers to run special tests like Lipoproteins, ADA from fluids.

For immunodiagnosis the latest available instruments XT 7600 , Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, are used. This technology is based on the principle of enhanced chemiluminescence. Tests like Tumor Markers, Hormones, HIV, Hepatitis Markers etc., are being performed on this instrument with accurate results.

We also have VIDAS (Biomerieux), which uses the ELFA principle, especially for HIV DUO, TORCH IgG & IgM, IgE, etc.

A fully automated ELISA processor (CHORUS) is available for special tests and autoimmune markers like Mycoplasma antibodies, Anti Glomerular Antibodies, ENA Profile, P -ANCA & C- ANCA, Anti Cardiolipin Antibodies, Anti Thyroid Antibodies, dsDNA etc.. In addition to this, the Department is equipped with a “research grade” fluorescent and phase contrast microscope for performing some special Immunoflourescent based markers like ANA and ASMA. Protein blotting techniques for testing allergens and ANA is also available with us.

Newborn screening for Galactosemia, Phenylketonuria, Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Hypothyroidism and Biotinidase deficiency is also performed in the laboratory for early detection of metabolic disorders in the newborn. These tests are done using the dried blood spot method from a heel prick to support healthy development of the baby and prevent irreversible damages.

Automated continuous monitoring blood culture systems, BACTEC FX(400) is used for blood and sterile body fluid cultures. The Vitek 2 Compact for identification and susceptibility system is used for bacteria and fungi. The results are obtained in the form of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), which is of great advantage to clinicians from the therapeutic point of view. We also perform Anaerobic cultures along with identification and drug susceptibility testing. For T.B. culture MGIT 960 (currently approved technique by WHO & US FDA) is used.

Advanced rapid molecular platforms for diagnosis of Infectious diseases are available which provide results within 2 to 3 hours. The department has the GeneXpert system , a novel bench top real time PCR system for detection of TB and resistance to Rifampicin .The same system can also perform tests for C.difficille detection and resistance gene detection. Biofire a film array, based on the syndromic approach to diagnosis for a variety of infections like respiratory tract, Gastrointestinal tract, the central nervous system, pneumonias and positive blood cultures . We also have a real time PCR system (QUANT 5 STUDIO Dx) and perform many specialized assays like Cytomegalovirus, Ebstein Bar virus, undifferentiated Tropical fever panel, Parvo virus etc .

The Microbiology team is also actively involved in Hospital Infection Control.