Microbiology Laboratory

Ms. Bat Sheva Laufer - Head of Molecular Testing

Ms. Elvira Zebrizer (M.Sc.) – Head of Quality

Ms. Tammy Shoshani – Head of General Bacteriology

Dr. Kareem Aatmana– Head of Quality and Research

Ms. Vita Misko

Ms. Stella Avdov

Ms. Joan Peled

The Microbiology Laboratory performs the following:

Cultures for diagnosis, isolation and detection of a wide variety of pathogenic microorganisms from different clinical specimens such as blood, urine, wounds, body fluids, spinal fluid, drains and more. Laboratory staff also uses a range of methods to determine sensitivity to antibiotic preparations.

• Serology tests to screen for antibodies against CMV, EBV, Rubella Parvo B19, Toxoplasma, etc. 
• Tests to detect antibodies against Q fever, Rickettsia and syphilis. 
• Tests to detect antigens against malaria, Brucella, Legionella, Mycoplasma, fecal calprotectin and occult blood. 
• Molecular tests to detect viruses such as influenza, HSV, CMV, enterovirus, tuberculosis and pertussis bacteria.

The Microbiology Laboratory is equipped with new and high precision equipment to perform these tests, including the BACTEC FX system for monitoring blood cultures, automated system for rapid detection of microorganisms (MS) and an antibiotic susceptibility testing system (Vitek 2). The laboratory is also equipped with a device that conducts a fast screening test for urinary tract infections and pharmaceutical sterility testing (Alfred), as well as a device that performs serology testing (LIAISON). The laboratory has a fluorescent microscope with a system that photographs and documents findings. Laboratory staff also perform molecular tests to detect viruses and bacteria in a closed system (GeneXpert), and a real-time PCR detection system (CFX-96).

The laboratory plays an important role in infection control, and laboratory employees are in daily contact with the Infectious Diseases Unit. The laboratory reports periodic findings to the Antibiotic Stewardship Committee and to the Infection Control Committee. Furthermore, the laboratory advises the attending staff on specimens taken and interpretation of laboratory test results.

The laboratory conducts external quality control through the CAP and Labquality programs, and internal quality control according to the recommendations of Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) to ensure the quality of results. The laboratory has earned ISO9001:2008 certification.

Location:

Laboratories building

Telephone numbers:

04-7744365

04-7744574

E-mail:

[email protected]

[email protected]