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Clinical Microbiology
The Clinical Microbiology laboratories of Dubai Health provide comprehensive diagnostic, consultative, and reference microbiology services across the Dubai Health network. Serving as a tertiary and quaternary referral laboratory, the division delivers high-quality, evidence-based laboratory diagnostics that support patient care, infection prevention and control, antimicrobial stewardship, public health surveillance, and outbreak investigations.
Our Diagnostic Scope
Our laboratories offer an extensive portfolio of conventional and advanced diagnostic testing, utilizing:
• Culture-based methods
• Immunological assays
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry
• Molecular technologies to rapidly detect, identify, and characterize bacterial, viral, fungal, mycobacterial, and parasitic pathogens
These services enable timely clinical decision-making and support precision management of infectious diseases.
Additional Services
In addition to routine diagnostic testing, the division provides:
• Expert clinical consultation
• Specialized reference testing
• Diagnostic stewardship
• Laboratory quality management
• Method validation, and support for emerging infectious disease preparedness and surveillance
The Clinical Microbiology Division comprises highly specialized laboratories, led by six experienced specialists and consultants and subject matter experts:
• Bacteriology
• Virology
• Parasitology
• Infectious Diseases Serology
• Hepatitis and HIV
• Mycology
• Mycobacteriology
Together, these laboratories perform millions of diagnostic tests annually, supporting hospitals, ambulatory care centers, public health programs, and specialized clinical services throughout Dubai Health. Through continuous innovation, quality assurance, and adoption of advanced diagnostic technologies, the division remains committed to delivering accurate, timely, and clinically meaningful laboratory results that improve patient outcomes across Dubai.
Doctors
Why is proper collection important for urine culture?
Proper urine collection is essential to ensure accurate results. Incorrect collection techniques may introduce bacteria from the skin or surrounding area, causing contamination and making it difficult to distinguish between urinary tract infection and a contaminated sample. This may lead to unnecessary investigations, inappropriate antibiotic use, and contribute to antimicrobial resistance.
Your care team will guide you on the correct collection method to ensure the most accurate results.
What should I do if I cannot deliver the urine sample after collecting?
If you are unable to deliver your sample right away, store it in a refrigerator, not a freezer, at 2–8°C (36–46°F).
Do not freeze the sample. Properly refrigerated urine samples can usually be stored for up to 24 hours without significantly affecting the accuracy of culture results.
You can also use the container with Boric acid for collection, which helps maintain the stability of the sample during transport by limiting bacterial multiplication and preserving the accuracy of culture results. If a container containing boric acid is provided, do not discard or remove the preservative, and collect the sample directly into the designated container.
Why do I need to submit multiple stool specimens for an ova and parasite exam?
Parasites are often shed intermittently in the stool, meaning they may not appear in every sample collected. Submitting three separate samples significantly increases the likelihood of detection, ensuring a more accurate and reliable diagnosis.
Why is an early morning sputum sample preferred for Tuberculosis (TB) testing?
Early morning sputum contains the highest concentration of TB bacteria, which accumulate in the lungs overnight as the cough reflex is suppressed during sleep. Collecting your sample first thing in the morning provides the best chance of an accurate result.
Why are multiple sputum samples needed for Tuberculosis testing?
TB bacteria are not always shed consistently in sputum and may be present in very low numbers. Collecting multiple samples increases the likelihood of detection and reduces the risk of a false-negative result, where the infection is present but not detected in a single sample.
Will having COVID-19, or receiving a COVID-19 vaccine affect my test results?
This depends on your situation. If you currently have an active COVID-19 infection, certain infection markers in your blood, such as white blood cells and CRP, may be elevated, which could affect some test results. Similarly, if you have recently received a COVID-19 vaccine within the last few days, your immune system's response may temporarily raise these markers. If you are unsure, please inform your care team before your test so they can take this into account.
Why are two blood culture sets being used for a blood culture test?
The standard practice is to collect two blood culture sets, one from each arm, within a 24-hour period. Each set contains two bottles: one aerobic and one anaerobic, allowing a wider range of bacteria and fungi to be detected.
Using two sets significantly increases the likelihood of identifying the cause of an infection and reduces the risk of false results. If one sample becomes contaminated during collection, the second provides a reliable backup, ensuring the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment for your condition.
