Medical Microbiology and Virology

"There are no such things as applied sciences, only applications of science." - Louis Pasteur (1872)

The Division of Medical Microbiology and Virology provides a wide range of high-quality, patient-centered diagnostic services, as well as expert consultation on the prevention and management of infections. The division uses various applications of science (e.g. mass spectrometry, biochemistry, molecular genetics, biology) to provide diagnostic testing that is optimized to best serve the needs of Providence Health Care's unique patient population (e.g. patients with HIV/AIDS, patients with cystic fibrosis, and the disadvantaged population of Vancouver's urban core).

Microbiology services include:

  • Routine and specialized bacteriology
  • Mycology (identification and susceptibility testing)
  • Mycobacteriology
  • Molecular diagnostics - Clostridium difficile, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Pneumocystis jirovecii, Neisseria meningitidis, MRSA, VRE, CPO (Carbapenemase Producing Organism), Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • Infection control

Virology services include:

  • Virology Requisition
  • Serological testing for CMV IgG, Hepatitis A, B and C, HIV Ag/Ab, and vitamin B12 (active)
  • Molecular diagnostic testing by PCR for
    • Adenovirus
    • Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
    • Epstein Barr Virus (EBV)
    • Enterovirus
    • Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)
    • HBV Resistance & Genotyping
    • Human Herpes Virus 8 (HHV8)
    • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
    • Norovirus
    • Polyomavirus (JC and BK viruses)
    • Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)
    • Respiratory Virus PCR Panel consisting of Adenovirus, Influenza (A & B), Parainfluenza (1, 2, 3), Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) and human Metapneumovirus (MPV)
    • SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

The Microbiology and Virology laboratories are both located at St. Paul's Hospital site, in the Providence and Burrard buildings respectively. Infection control services are based at Hornby Street site.

The Team

Hours of Operation
Microbiology:
Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) 0700-2300 hours
Saturday, Sunday & statutory holidays 0800-1600 hours

Virology:
Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) 0800-1700 hours
Saturday, Sunday & statutory holidays 0800-1600 hours

Contact Information
Results - LM Labs Call Centre 1-877-747-2522
Microbiology - 604-806-8184 (fax 604-806-8661)
Virology - 604-806-8420 (fax 604-806-8421)
Medical Microbiologist On Call - 604-682-2344 (Providence Health Care Switchboard)

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