At the NPİSTANBUL Hospital Microbiology Laboratory, tests requested by clinicians are performed with the utmost care using internationally recognized methods and within acceptable error margins. In line with this approach, our laboratory services—aimed at diagnosis, monitoring, risk assessment, and prognosis—are delivered through a team-based, patient-centered approach.
As the Microbiology Laboratory at NPİSTANBUL Hospital, our goal is to expand our test panel in light of technological and scientific advancements and to enhance the quality of our services through our trained and qualified staff.
What Is a Microbiology Laboratory?
A microbiology laboratory is a medical laboratory used to identify, examine, and diagnose microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites). These laboratories play a critical role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Tests conducted in a microbiology laboratory help identify the source of infections, select appropriate treatment methods, and protect public health.
Bacteriology Tests
Bacteriology deals with the examination and identification of bacteria. Tests performed in this field include:
Throat Culture: Used to determine the cause of throat infections.
Urine Culture: Used to diagnose urinary tract infections.
Fecal Culture: Used to diagnose gastrointestinal infections.
Wound Culture: Used to determine the cause of wound infections.
Sputum Culture: Used to diagnose respiratory tract infections.
Vaginal and Cervical Culture: Used to diagnose gynecological infections.
Nasal Culture: Used to diagnose nasal infections.
Semen Culture: Used to diagnose infections of the reproductive organs.
Conjunctival Culture: Used to diagnose eye infections.
Bacterial Identification and Susceptibility Testing: Used to identify bacteria and determine which antibiotics they are susceptible to.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Culture: Used in the diagnosis of central nervous system infections.
Stained Microscopic Examination (Gram, Methylene Blue, Wright, EZN): Used to examine bacteria under a microscope after staining.
Blood Culture: Used to diagnose infections in the bloodstream.
Catheter Culture: Used to diagnose catheter-related infections.
Mycoplasma Culture: Used to diagnose infections caused by Mycoplasma bacteria.
Peritoneal Culture: Used to diagnose infections in the abdominal cavity.
Pleural Culture: Used to diagnose infections of the lung lining.
Mycology Tests
Mycology deals with the study of fungi. The tests performed in this field are as follows:
Fungal Screening of Skin and Mucous Membranes (KOH): Used to diagnose fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes.
Fungal Culture: Used to diagnose fungal infections.
Fungal Identification and Antifungal Susceptibility Testing: Used to identify fungi and determine which antifungal medications they are susceptible to.
Molecular Microbiology Tests
Molecular microbiology involves the study of the genetic material of microorganisms. Tests performed in this field include:
Quantitative HBV-DNA: Measures the amount of Hepatitis B virus DNA.
Quantitative HCV-RNA: Measures the amount of Hepatitis C virus RNA.
Quantitative HDV-RNA: Measures the amount of Hepatitis D virus RNA.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR Test: Used to confirm the presence of the COVID-19 virus.
Parasitology Tests
Parasitology deals with the study of parasites. Tests performed in this field include:
Direct Parasite Examination of Stool: Used to diagnose intestinal parasites.
Plasmodium Screening: Used to diagnose malaria parasites.
Pinworm Screening with Cellophane Tape (Anal): Used to diagnose intestinal worms.
Amoeba and Giardia Screening in Stool: Used to diagnose amoeba and Giardia parasites.
Serology Tests
Serology involves the examination of antibodies in blood serum. The tests performed in this field are as follows:
Anti-HAV IgG and Anti-HAV IgM: These tests are used to detect antibodies against the hepatitis A (jaundice) virus.
HBsAg, HBeAg, Anti-HBc IgG, Anti-HBc IgM, Anti-HBe, Anti-HBs: These tests are used for the diagnosis of hepatitis B (jaundice), monitoring its progression, and tracking carrier status.
HCV, Anti-HCV: These tests are used to diagnose hepatitis C and monitor carrier status.
Anti-Rubella IgG and IgM: Detection of antibodies produced against the rubella virus.
Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM: Detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma infection.
Borrelia burgdorferii IgG and IgM: Detection of antibodies against the Borrelia burgdorferii bacterium, which causes Lyme disease.
Brucella Agglutination Test (Rose Bengal) and Brucella Tube Agglutination: Used in the diagnosis of Brucella (brucellosis) infections.
Chlamydia trachomatis IgG: Used to diagnose Chlamydia infections.
Leptospira IgG and Leptospira IgM: Used to diagnose leptospirosis infections.
Clostridium difficile Toxin A and B: Used to diagnose Clostridium difficile infections.
CMV IgG Avidity: Provides information regarding the diagnosis and timing of cytomegalovirus infections.
Delta Antibody: Detection of antibodies against the hepatitis D virus.
EBV VCA IgG and IgM: Used to diagnose Epstein-Barr virus infections.
Helicobacter Pylori IgG and Antigen: Used to diagnose Helicobacter pylori infections.
Herpes Simplex Type 1 and Type 2 IgG and IgM: Used to diagnose herpes simplex virus infections.
HIV Confirmation (Western Blot): Used for the definitive diagnosis of HIV infections.
Mumps IgG and IgM: Used for the diagnosis of mumps infections.
Measles IgG and IgM: Used to diagnose measles infections.
Hydatid Cyst IHA: Used to diagnose hydatid disease.
Mycoplasma Pneumoniae IgG and IgM: Used to diagnose Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections.
Parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM: Used to diagnose Parvovirus B19 infections.
Rotavirus Antigen: Used to diagnose rotavirus infections.
Rubella IgG Avidity: Used to diagnose rubella infections.
Salmonella Tube Agglutination (Gruber-Widal): Used for the diagnosis of Salmonella infections (typhoid, paratyphoid).
Toxoplasma IgG Avidity: Used for the diagnosis of Toxoplasma infections.
Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination (TPHA), Syphilis IgG: Used to diagnose syphilis infections.
Varicella-zoster Virus (VZV) IgG and IgM: Used to diagnose chickenpox and shingles infections.
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Rapid Antigen Test: Used for the rapid diagnosis of the COVID-19 virus.
The microbiology laboratory plays a critical role in the diagnosis of various infectious diseases. Through various tests—such as bacteriology, mycology, molecular microbiology, parasitology, and serology—the source of diseases can be identified quickly and accurately. These laboratories are of great importance in treatment planning and the protection of public health.
