Swine Flu Lab inaugurated in DMCH

LUDHIANA: Swine flu lab (H1N1 PCR) installed in Microbiology Department, of the Dayanand Medical College and hospital (DMCH) was formally inaugurated by Secretary of DMCH Managing Society Prem Kumar Gupta on Tuesday. Other dignitaries who graced the occasion were Gian Chand Dhawan (Vice president), Rajesh Sood (Joint Secretary), Dr. Sandeep Puri (Principal, DMCH) and Dr. Rajoo Singh Chhina (Dean Academics).

According to Dr Deepinder Chhina (Professor & Head of Microbiology), "Department of Microbiology has recently started the test for Invasive Fungal Infections. DMCH is among the first few private institutes in the region to have the facility of glucan assay test. Invasive fungal infections have increased significantly in past decades due to Broad spectrum Antimicrobial therapy and invasive medical devices. These infections are also a significant cause of health problems in immunocompromoised patients. A delay in their diagnosis results in delay of initiation of antifungal therapy. So timely initiation of antifungals is a critical component affecting the outcome"

According to Dr Chhina, this test will help in the early diagnosis of invasive fungal infections like Candidemia & Aspergillosis. The starting of this facility will help in better patient care, management and treatment and is available at reduced cost.