Microbiology

The Bacteriology laboratory searches for and identifies bacteria, fungi, and parasites by microscopy, cultures, biochemical tests, and mass spectrometry. In addition, for clinically significant bacterial species, it provides an antibiogram with the sensitivities/resistances of the bacterial strains for antibiotic treatment of the patient.

Useful Information
The Mycobacteriology Laboratory researches and identifies mycobacteria by microscopy, cultures, antibiograms, immunology and molecular biology methods.

Laboratory head of Bacteriology: Cattani Elia

Mycobacteriology laboratory manager: Dr. Pianezzi Enea

The Serology and Virology laboratory searches for and identifies specific antigens and antibodies to bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It performs direct investigations of microorganisms that are difficult to culture using molecular biology techniques. Molecular investigations, including quantitative ones, can target a single pathogen as well as a panel of microorganisms potentially implicated in a particular clinical manifestation.

Useful information
The laboratory has been designated as a reporting laboratory for HIV cases in Ticino.

Laboratory head: Cattani Elia

The Laboratory of Epidemiology researches and identifies bacteria by culture, serological methods, mass spectrometry and molecular biology. In the field of Hospital Hygiene, it collaborates with the EONOSO service and performs screening by culture with a view to preventing the spread of multi-resistant germs.

The Laboratory also serves as the National Reference Center for Legionella (NCRL) and works in collaboration with the Communicable Diseases Division of the Federal Office of Public Health in the fight against Legionella spp. nationwide. The Epidemiology Department also extends its activities to Veterinary Microbiology and performs microbiological analysis of by means of culture, serology or molecular biology techniques.

Useful information

The CNRL collaborates in epidemiological investigations and environmental controls and provides support to public and private microbiology laboratories. The CNRL is also responsible for participating in the drafting of national recommendations and for representing Switzerland in the international arena. The laboratory is recognized by the Federal Office of Food and Veterinary Safety and participates in national epizootic eradication and surveillance programs.

Laboratory head: Dr. Gaia Valeria

The main task of the Department of Veterinary Microbiology is to participate in the national epizootic disease eradication and surveillance programs organized by the USDA. The term "epizootic diseases" includes all diseases that cannot be combated by the individual animal keeper alone. Epizootic diseases often result in significant economic damage and can greatly hinder international trade. Where the epizootic is transmissible to humans, it is referred to as a "zoonosis."

Useful information
Every year the Federal Office produces reports on the surveillance of epizootic diseases and zoonoses, which can be downloaded from the USAV website.

Responsible veterinarian: Med. vet. Albanese Francesco(+41 (0)91 811 17 54)
Laboratory manager: Dr. Gaia Valeria(+41 (0)91 811 17 18)

Comprehensive and personalized care
The Laboratories work closely with the various EOC Departments and Institutes to provide comprehensive and personalized care for patients. The analytical program of the Hospital Laboratories is carried out largely with the help of specialized instrumentation; the remainder is performed manually. The staff is highly qualified, with expertise in the clinical area that enables them to validate the results provided to the clinician and in the technical area to ensure the proper functioning of the instrumentation. In this context of high technology and expertise, courtesy and respect for patients and colleagues have always been our daily priority.

Activities
The Laboratories offer a wide range of services including all basic analysis in emergency medicine, triage diagnostics, routine medical activity as well as limited activity in the microbiological field. The analytical program includes analyses of clinical chemistry, hematology, basic/specialty coagulation, hemogasanalysis, immunohematology, etc.; the complete list of prescribable analyses can be found in the Analysis Vademecum. Ospedali Regionali laboratories run a common analytical program. Area Hospital Laboratories (Acquarossa and Faido) perform a reduced analytical program adapted to cover the most urgent needs.

Useful information
Urgent and triage analyses are offered at the San Giovanni, Civico, La Carità and Beata Vergine sites and are performed 24/7. Non-urgent analyses are centralized at the San Giovanni laboratory and at the Biochemistry and Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (BFC) in Bellinzona. Analyses are taken at all sites and distributed to the performing laboratories by two daily transports. Laboratory specialists are available for any information related to the performance and interpretation of the analyses performed. The Service is also available for any clinical research projects. The Institute of Laboratory Medicine is FAMH "A" training post for Clinical Chemistry. It is necessary to book an appointment to perform analyses.

Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona, San Giovanni laboratory manager: Daniele Giottonini
Laboratory manager Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona, Acquarossa: Daniele Giottonini
Laboratory manager Ospedale Regionale di Bellinzona, Faido: Daniele Giottonini
Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Civico laboratory manager: Giorgio Dal Bò
Head of laboratory Ospedale Regionale di Lugano, Italiano: Giorgio Dal Bò
Head of laboratory Ospedale Regionale di Mendrisio: Rosita Ghidossi
Locarno Ospedale Regionale laboratory manager: Paola Guglielmetti