KING EDWARD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
SETH GORDHANDAS SUNDERDAS MEDICAL COLLEGE
बृहन्मुंबई महानगरपालिका रुग्णालय
Established in 1978 as an independent department, separate from the Department of Pathology and Bacteriology, the department’s journey in the subsequent years has been to balance an efficient performance for better patient management and providing improved learning opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students while being compliant with medical council / commission requirements. The advent of HIV in 1986 and DRTB in 2011, the onslaught of leptospirosis post monsoon in 2005/2006 and other community outbreaks provided opportunities for strengthening diagnostic services.
Initially, the department provided bacteriology, mycology, parasitology and serology services. The last 15 years have seen the expansion of the services. A molecular diagnostic laboratory was established for the two major national programmes, HIV (HIV viral load) and TB (Xpert CBNAAT). Hereafter, a division of immunology and virology was established. TB diagnostic services were expanded from smear microscopy alone to include culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) and molecular tools.
In the last two years, the department has established a medical college level, ‘Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory’ (VRDL) supported by the Department of Health Research / ICMR. This is a well-equipped molecular diagnostic laboratory, and has been in the forefront for providing COVID-19 diagnosis using the Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) since March 2020 and Influenza RTPCR since June 2022.
The department is NABL accredited since 2016. Patient care is well supported by the availability of important tests, all of which are NABL accredited. Automated test platforms such as BACTEC FX 200 for blood culture, VITEK 2 for MIC and recently VITEK MS Prime (based on MALDI ToF technology) have strengthened diagnostics. The latter enables rapid identification of organisms to reduce the time to initiating effective treatment.
The department has had ‘many firsts’. The first to provide emergency microbiology test services, the first Voluntary Counselling and Testing Centre (VCTC) to be designated as a model centre by World Health Organization / National AIDS Control Organization for western region, the first amongst municipal medical colleges in Mumbai to have all tests accredited by NABL and also the first amongst municipal medical colleges to establish a certified TB culture and DST laboratory, are a few of its achievements.
The department also organized the first National Conference on Anaerobic Infections and The first National Conference on Hospital Acquired Infections. Hospital Infection Control has been ably supported and guided by the designated members of the department since Hospital Infection Control Committee (HICC) was established in 1990/1991. Infection control activities were strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic. A fellowship course in “Infection prevention and control with specific reference to hospital acquired infections” affiliated to MUHS is also available.
Today, the department provides diagnostic services through its various divisions of bacteriology including anaerobic bacteriology, immunology, mycology, mycobacteriology, molecular diagnosis, parasitology, serology, virology and VRDL.
With its well-functioning diagnostic divisions, the department is looking forward to strengthen clinical research, multi-disciplinary and multi-centric, as needed, which will benefit patient care. The availability of a genetic sequencing platform for accurate detection of aetiologic agents, identifying transmission dynamics and understanding phylogenetic association would be a dream come true.
Between the two sides of diagnostics with diagnostic stewardship on the one hand to support evidence-based medicine and Albert Einstein’s quote on the other stating, “absence of evidence is not evidence of absence”, the department hopes to continually strengthen patient care, learning, professional capacity building and research.
Seth GS Medical College and KEM hospital, Mumbai |
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Department of Microbiology |
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Sr. No. |
Full name of the Teacher (First Name Middle Name Last Name.) |
Designation |
Qualification & Year of Passing |
Latest Email Address |
Teaching experience After PG Passing |
Photo |
1 |
Dr Chaya A Kumar |
Professor and Head |
MBBS, MD, FCPS (Microbiology). |
chayakumar@kem.edu |
28 years |
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2 |
Dr Lona Dash |
Additional Professor |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
23 years |
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3 |
Dr Wanjare Shashir Wasudeo |
Additional Professor |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
shashirwanjare@gmail.com |
20 years |
|
4 |
Dr Vaishali Narayanrao Solanke |
Associate Professor |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
15 years |
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5 |
Dr Swapna Rajesh Kanade |
Associate Professor |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
22 years |
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6 |
Dr Vasant Baradkar |
Associate Professor |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
vasantbaradkar@yahoo.com |
23 years |
|
7 |
Dr Priyanka Sheshnath Prasad |
Associate Professor |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
priyanka1975@gmail. com |
24 years |
|
8 |
Dr Pallavi Vijay Surase |
Associate Professor (Addl) |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
surase.pallavi@gmail.com |
16 years |
|
9 |
Dr Vijaya Premchand Torne |
Associate Professor (Addl) |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
vijayatorane@yahoo.co.in |
16 years |
|
10 |
Dr Alpana Anil Wagh |
Associate Professor (Addl) |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
alpana2908@gmail.com |
12 years |
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11 |
Dr Shreeraj Talwadekar |
Assistant Professor |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
drshreerajt@gmail.com |
4 years |
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12 |
Dr Pradnya Kale |
Assistant Professor |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
prad.kale07@gmail.com |
4 years |
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13 |
Dr Ranjana Thate |
Assistant Professor |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
4 years |
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14 |
Dr Akshay Karyakarte |
Assistant Professor |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
akskary@gmail.com |
1 year |
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15 |
Dr Komal Keswani |
Assistant Professor (Contractual) |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
1 year |
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16 |
Dr Manali Nilekeri |
Assistant Professor (Contractual) |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
manali23071992@gmail.com |
1 year |
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17 |
Dr Sonal Thavare |
Assistant Professor (Contractual) |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
dr.sonalthavare@gmail.com |
1 year |
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18 |
Dr Mitali Solanki |
Senior Resident (Contractual) |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
mitali1108solanki@gmail.com |
10 months |
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19 |
Dr Shrutkirti Gupta |
Senior Resident (Contractual) |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
jais23ausm@gmail.com |
9 months |
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20 |
Dr Rashmi Moon |
Senior Resident (Contractual) |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
rashmimoon67@gmail.com |
9 months |
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21 |
Dr Swapnil Thombare |
Senior Resident (Contractual) |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
swapthombare@gmail.com |
14 days |
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22 |
Dr Devika Thorat |
Senior Resident (Contractual) |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
devika.thorat9@gmail.com |
14 days |
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23 |
Dr Gita Nataraj |
Professor Emeritus |
MBBS, MD (Microbiology). |
gitanataraj@gmail.com |
39 years |
LABORATORY WORKING HOURS
Routine working hours – |
Weekdays |
9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. |
Saturdays & Bank Holidays |
9.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. |
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Emergency laboratory |
Weekdays |
4.00 p.m. to next day |
Saturdays / Bank Holidays |
12.30 p.m. to Sunday / Next working day 9.00 a.m. |
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Sundays / O.P.D Holidays |
9.00 a.m. to Monday / Next working day 9.00 a.m. |
SPECIMEN ACCEPTANCE TIMINGS:
Division |
Timing |
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OPD patients |
All divisions |
9.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. |
Indoor patients |
All divisions |
9.00 a.m. – 11.00 am |
Blood / Body fluids / Aspirated pus/ Tissue / Ocular specimens / E.N.T specimens, Stool for cholera / suspected gas gangrene / all other invasive or intra-operative specimens |
Serology, Clinical Bacteriology, Mycology, Mycobacteriology and Parasitology (RMAT) |
During the entire working period |
Urine, Stool (other than for cholera) and Sputum |
Clinical Bacteriology |
9.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. |
Direct walk in clients |
Virology and Immunology / ICTC |
9.00 a.m to 4.00 p.m |
COVID-19 RT-PCR |
Molecular Diagnosis |
Routine patient samples will be accepted from 9.00 a.m till 4 pm. |
Investigations available in Emergency Microbiology Laboratory (7th floor, MSB)
Please refer to E-Lab timings above
Division / |
Tests offered |
Specimen type * and number where applicable |
Contact Person with intercom number |
Clinical Bacteriology |
(Rapid identification of bacteria and fungi based on MALDI-ToF MS)
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All specimens collected aseptically in sterile containers |
Dr Lona Dash / Dr Pradnya Kale/ 7527 |
BACTEC FX 200 rapid aerobic bacterial culture for adults (as per availability) |
Blood |
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BACTEC Peds plus for children / neonates (as per availability) |
Blood |
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Molecular Diagnosis and VRDL |
COVID-19 RT-PCR Influenza RTPCR and subtyping CMV for nephrology patients ZIKA virus - PCR |
Nasopharyngeal swab + oropharyngeal swab OR Whole blood in EDTA Whole blood in EDTA |
Dr. Priyanka Prasad / |
Mycology |
Microscopy , Culture, Identification for fungi, AST for yeasts Pneomocystis jeroveci - microscopy |
All specimens collected aseptically in sterile containers Sputum |
Dr.Chaya A. Kumar/ 7857 / 7824 |
Automated ID and AFST for yeast using VITEK 2 and VITEK MS Prime |
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AFST for yeasts |
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Mycobacteriology |
Microscopy |
Any sample ( as per program recommendation / clinician’s request) |
Dr Swapna Kanade / 7827 |
Xpert MTB/RIF ** assay for simultaneous detection of MTBC and Rifampicin resistance |
2 ml for any liquid specimen such as sputum / body fluids , in graduated, 50 ml sterile, screw capped tubes (Falcon tube) procured from DOTS centre, 5th floor , CVTC building |
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Culture MGIT – 960 and (for follow up cases as per programmatic directives) |
At least 3 ml for liquid specimen (sputum / body fluids) |
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Parasitology |
Stool – Routine and Microscopy |
- Stool |
Dr. Vasant Baradkar / 7857 / 7832 |
RDT - malarial antigen |
Whole blood / finger prick |
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Serology |
(Rapid / ELISA)
Antibodies ( Rapid / ELISA)
Antibody Covid-19 IgG antibody Referral of specimens to PCR laboratory at Kasturba Hospital for Leptospirosis, Dengue |
Whole blood (at least 4 ml) collected in clean, dry, plain test tube / red/ yellow top evacuated tubes. Serum PCR – 3-5 ml blood in purple cap (EDTA) evacuated tubes and transported in cold chain |
Dr. Vijaya Torane / 7984 |
Virology and 5th floor, |
ICTC @ for HCV – antibody detection |
4-6 ml Whole blood collected in clean, dry, plain test tube / yellow or red evacuated tube EDTA |
Dr. Chaya A. Kumar / 7822 / 7825 |
HIV viral load for patients referred from ART |
4-6 ml Whole blood in EDTA evacuated tube |
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HBV viral load (for patients referred from GI OPD) |
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HCV viral load (for patients referred from GI OPD) |
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Infection prevention |
Audit and training |
Dr.Chaya A Kumar/ |
**, # Specimens should be accompanied by appropriately filled RNTCP laboratory forms
@ Specimens should be accompanied by appropriately filled written informed consent form (Marathi / English) for HIV antibody test
As a pre-requisite for NABL accreditation, active feedback is sought from over 100 patients / clients availing the services of the department using a feedback form. The feedback thus received is discussed periodically in departmental meeting and appropriate measures taken as needed.
A complaint box has also been made available in the locations of the laboratories (one on 5th floor, one on 7th floor and one in the specimen acceptance counter situated on the ground floor of MSB). Complaints received are immediately addressed and appropriate corrective actions taken.
As a part of ICTC ( Integrated Counselling and Testing Services) , all walk in clients as a part of pre-test counselling, are provided information on HIV , it’s mode of transmission, symptoms when present and most importantly, when and where to seek care and methods of prevention. They are also informed about the symptoms of associated opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis. Those in whom HIV infection is detected are provided with appropriate counselling and linkages for care.
Courses offered
(2 seats annually)
UG Student activities
Teaching schedule/ Academic calendar
Lectures |
Practicals |
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II MBBS ( Microbiology ) |
Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays |
Mondays and Thursdays |
DMLT |
Fridays and Saturdays |
Fridays and Saturdays |
OT/PT ( Microbiology) |
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays |
NA |
BPMT |
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays |
NA |
MD (Microbiology) |
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Seminars / Journal club / Case presentation / Faculty lectures / Guest lectures - |
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Postings |
Various divisions of microbiology |
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Dissertation |
As per MUHS norms |
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Paper presentation in national and state conferences |
Workshop/CME
Awards (2022)
Dr. Swapna Kanade, Dr. Swati Vijay, Dr. Gita Nataraj.
Best oral paper in Virology
Second prize in poster session
The department provides diagnostic services through the following divisions
Clinical Bacteriology
Molecular diagnosis and VRDL
Mycobacteriology
Mycology
Parasitology
Serology
Virology and Immunology
Books chapters –
Swapna Kanade, Gita Nataraj. Laboratory diagnosis of Tuberculosis in Dr Sandhya Kamath (ed), API textbook of Medicine, 12th Edition 2022, Section 1. Infectious Diseases. Chapter 29, Pages 128-131. Jaypee publishers
S Mudshingkar, G Natraj, S Baveja, P Mehta , F Jijina Assessment of Microbial Aetiology of Febrile neutropenia Research Development in Medicine and Medical Science 2023, Vol 7, 182-195
Journals
Research projects utilizing Research labs |
Research Ongoing projects:International collaboration
PG dissertations
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