Microbiology

Which Diseases and Conditions Are Diagnosed?

Our microbiology laboratory diagnoses and monitors a very wide range of diseases. Fundamentally, all conditions that cause infection in the body fall within the scope of our department. Respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, diseases affecting the gastrointestinal system, and skin infections are evaluated in detail within this framework.

In addition, the diagnosis of viral diseases is of great importance. The detection of viruses that affect the immune system, such as hepatitis strains and HIV, is safely performed in our laboratory. To protect maternal and infant health, risky conditions that may be encountered during pregnancy are identified through routine screening tests. Furthermore, tumor marker tests, which guide physicians in the diagnosis and treatment process of oncological diseases, are among the areas of expertise of our laboratory. Monitoring the body levels of certain specific medications used by our patients is also meticulously carried out as part of our microbiology processes.

Diagnostic and Testing Methods

In our hospital's microbiology laboratory, a wide variety of tests are performed using advanced technology devices to enable our physicians to make accurate diagnoses. These tests are specially planned according to our patients' complaints and our physicians' clinical evaluations.

Tests Performed

The main test groups performed in our laboratory are as follows:

• Serology Tests: These are tests used in the diagnosis of infectious diseases to check for the presence of antibodies or antigens in the blood. Important viral infections such as Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV are diagnosed using this method.
• Routine Pregnancy Screening Tests: These tests are performed to protect the health of the expectant mother and the baby. Risks during pregnancy are detected in advance with Toxoplasma IgM and IgG, rubella IgM and IgG, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM and IgG tests.
• Tumor Markers: These are cancer cell indicator tests that measure substances produced by cancer cells or by the body in response to cancer. Markers such as CEA, Ca19-9, Ca12-5, AFP, PSA, and fPSA are analyzed in our laboratory.
• Drug Level Tests: These are performed for dosage monitoring of certain medications regularly used by patients. By measuring the blood levels of drugs such as valproic acid and carbamazepine, the efficacy and safety of the treatment are ensured.

Blood Bank

BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi houses a fully equipped Blood Bank (Transfusion Center) to meet emergency and planned blood needs. In our center, all necessary procedures are meticulously applied so that our patients can receive safe blood transfusions. Blood typing (forward), blood typing (reverse), cross-match (blood compatibility test), and antibody screening tests are continuously performed by our expert teams.

Laboratory Practices and Result Evaluation

Samples taken from patients presenting to our hospital are delivered to our laboratory under sterile conditions and in accordance with international quality standards. Samples such as blood, urine, stool, or throat swabs are recorded with barcode systems, completely eliminating the risk of mix-ups. Our modern devices complete the testing processes untouched by human hands and with high precision.

Specific and rare tests that are not performed within our hospital are carried out in contracted reference laboratories with international accreditation. These studies in the relevant laboratories include advanced biochemical tests, special microbiological examinations, genetic tests, and pathological tests. In this way, our patients can safely and quickly access all the diagnostic services they need from a single center.

Technology and Reliability

The Microbiology Laboratory at BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi operates at the highest medical safety standards as part of a JCI-accredited hospital. Our laboratory is equipped with advanced technology analyzers and automation systems that maximize the accuracy and speed of test results.

With internal and external quality control programs, the measurement precision of our devices is continuously monitored. This technological equipment allows our physicians to start treatment as soon as possible, while giving our patients the peace of mind of receiving reliable results.

When Are Microbiology Tests Requested?

Microbiology tests may be requested by your physician to detect a condition that is not going well in your body. If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, your doctor may request the relevant diagnostic tests:

• High fever that lasts for days and does not go down
• Persistent cough, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing
• Burning during urination, frequent urination, or color change in urine
• Prolonged diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain
• Redness, swelling, and inflamed wounds anywhere on the body
• Unexplained chronic fatigue and weakness
• Pregnancy planning or routine check-ups in the first months of pregnancy
• Cancer screening programs or monitoring of current cancer treatment

Appointment and Testing Process

As the BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi Microbiology Laboratory, we offer uninterrupted service 24/7 to address your health concerns as quickly as possible. After your doctor's examination, you can quickly complete the procedures for the requested tests at our laboratory registration desks.

When your test results are ready, you can easily view them through our hospital's online systems and create your treatment plan with your physician. To consult with our specialist doctors and have your tests done safely, you can visit our book an appointment page or contact us through our call center at 0850 811 34 00.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will my test results be ready?

The turnaround time varies depending on the type and content of the test. While routine blood, urine, and serology tests are usually finalized on the same day, culture tests may take a few days as bacterial growth needs to be observed. You can track your results online through our hospital's website.

Do I need to fast before giving blood?

Although fasting is not required for some infection and serology tests performed in the microbiology laboratory, other tests requested by your doctor may require fasting. Therefore, fasting for 8 to 10 hours is generally recommended before giving blood. Your physician will provide you with the most accurate information.

What is a serology test?

A serology test is a reliable laboratory method that examines the antibodies and antigens in your blood serum to determine whether your body has had an infection against a specific bacterium, virus, or parasite.

What should I pay attention to when providing a stool or urine sample?

It is very important that the samples are collected in the sterile containers provided to you by our laboratory. No external substance should come into contact with the sample, and the collected sample should be delivered to the laboratory as soon as possible. These rules are critically important for the test results to be accurate.

Are tumor marker tests sufficient on their own for cancer diagnosis?

No, tumor marker tests are not sufficient on their own for a cancer diagnosis. These tests are important tools that guide our physicians; however, they must be evaluated together with other medical examinations, such as imaging methods and clinical examination, for a definitive diagnosis.