Advanced Molecular Detection

Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Section

The Antimicrobial Resistance Section offers confirmation and/or additional testing of antimicrobial resistant organisms in accordance with the Communicable Disease Rule. These organisms include Candida auris and unusual Candida spp.; Carbapenemase Producing Organisms (Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii); and Vancomycin resistant/intermediate Staphylococcus aureus.

All samples submitted for testing must be submitted through LimsNet. Only pure viable cultures are accepted.

Bioinformatics Laboratory Section

The bioinformatics staff utilizes the data generated from Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies to provide an additional layer of information on isolates submitted to IDOHL to assist in public health investigations. These efforts mainly consist of genotypic and phylogenetic analyses to supply epidemiologists with a wider range of information. The staff in this Laboratory Section also provide support to IDOHL through a deeper analysis of isolates that could be of public health significance.

Method Development Laboratory Section

The Method Development Section is responsible for bringing new assays into the laboratory. An assay in the laboratory setting is an investigative procedure for qualitatively or quantitively measuring the presence, amount, or function activity of a target, also called an analyte. IDOHL optimizes the tests, performs the validation, and writes up the required validation paperwork for the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) for all new assays. For more information on CLIA, please visit this page. The Method Development Section is also responsible for writing standard operating procedures (SOP’s) for new assays and training pertinent staff on the new assays. This Section also develops and implements methods for the detection and subtyping of various pathogens.