Laboratory
division is basically involved in the investigations of cases from out and
inpatient departments of CLTRI for leprosy related and other routine
investigations and also involved in the basic and applied research activities
in leprosy. This division has sections
like Microbiology, Mycobacteriology, Serology, and Clinical pathology, Skin
Smear, Histopathology, Molecular-biology Haematology Biochemistry, Immunology
and Animal House.
The
Lab. Division is well equipped.
Facilities for different kinds of microscopic studies like Light,
Dark-field, Phase contrast, Fluorescent microscopies are available. Facilities for different immunological
studies involving immno-flourescence tests, different types of electrophoresis,
etc. are available. Sophisticated
instruments like HPLC, Atomic absorption Unit, Ultra centrifuge, Phast gel
system etc. are available. Facilities for isolation, characterization and drug
sensitivity tests for cultivable Mycobacteria also exist.
The
Molecular Biology section of the Division has been upgraded with the basic
facilities for the isolation of DNA, PCR amplification and Gel documentation.
These facilities are being utilized for various institutional projects and also
in the collaborative and Post Graduate Course projects.
A
separate Animal House with different animal colonies with provisions for animal
experimental investigations including Mouse Foot Pad inoculation for the
viability and drug susceptibility tests for M.leprae is also available.
Laboratory
Division is also involved in teaching activities. One year Medical Laboratory Technician
training course and short-term orientation training course in skin smear
technique are offered. In addition to
that, the teaching / training in laboratory aspects of leprosy are conducted
for Medical Officers, Non Medical Supervisors, District Leprosy Officers, CRRI
trainees, etc.