Department of Microbiology

We specialize in medical microbiology and pharmaceutical microbiology. We have over 25 years of experience in providing microbiological services in the field of medical microbiology for hospitalized and outpatient patients. We offer a wide range of services in the field of microbiological diagnostics of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.

We perform tests using verified / validated and documented test methods to confirm that the method is suitable for the intended use. We use various research techniques, from classical (breeding) techniques to molecular biology and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) techniques.

We use reference materials to ensure the quality of the test results. We participate in a planned manner in national (POLMICRO) and international proficiency tests / interlaboratory comparisons (LABQUALITY, NEQAS). By obtaining positive results, we confirm the technical competence to perform tests. By applying the policy of continuous improvement we have adopted, we have established and keep monitoring quality indicators for our services.

In 2015, as the first medical laboratory in our hospital, we implemented a quality management system according to PN-EN ISO 15189:2013-05 and obtained the accreditation of the Polish Accreditation Centre, for a medical laboratory to perform tests in accordance with scope No. AM 010

We are one of the few microbiological laboratories in Poland that have implemented this management system.

Currently, the list of our services includes tests accredited under the permanent scope of accreditation and tests accredited under the flexible scope of accreditation. Current List of accredited activities carried out within the flexible scope in the Department of Microbiology. The scope of Medical Laboratory accreditation No. AM010. is available in the files for download.

The Department of Microbiology of the Oncology Centre in Bydgoszcz was entered into the list of COVID laboratories of the Ministry of Health.

We carry out tests for the presence of SARS-CoV 2 virus using the molecular method, real time RT-PCR. The analysis of the sample and the interpretation of the test result is based on the detection of 2 genes coding for proteins: E (envelope) – coat protein, N2 (nucleocapsid) – nucleocapsid protein. The test result is obtained within 30 – 60 minutes form starting the sample analysis.

Our offer also includes a paid test for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus antigen. The tests are performed using the immunochromatographic method (rapid cassette test) with high sensitivity and specificity. The applied test was positively assessed by the Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System. Research reports are published in Polish and English.

All tests are performed by competent staff of laboratory diagnosticians, specialists in the field of medical microbiology. The credibility of our results is confirmed by the positive results of the LABQUALITY SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection test and the verification test for the detection of generic material (RNA) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus conducted by the National Institute of Public Health – National Institute of Hygiene.

For over a dozen years, we have also been providing services in the field of pharmaceutical microbiology. Our laboratories test the microbiological purity of the production environment and the sterility of radiopharmaceuticals and cytostatics. We have also been participating in proficiency tests / interlaboratory comparisons (PHARMASSURE) in this area for many years. As part of the Radiopharmaceuticals Factory, we have the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Certificate for microbiological testing: sterile products.

In addition to diagnostic activities, we actively participate in the control of nosocomial infections. We perform screening tests for alarming pathogens, tests of microbiological purity of the hospital environment, endoscopes. We use modern, rapid research techniques (screening for the presence of microbial resistance genes).

We also conduct teaching activities:

• internships in the field of microbiological testing techniques for people specializing in laboratory medical diagnostics (a laboratory authorized to conduct specialist internships as part of the specialization of laboratory diagnosticians)
• internships for students of medical analysis
• Centre based classes, on the basis of a contract with entities providing postgraduate education.