Microbiology Laboratory

The History of Eurofins Biomnis in Microbiology

Our Microbiology Laboratory located in Sandyford, Dublin provides diagnostic tests in Bacteriology, Mycology and Parasitology to clients across Ireland. Eurofins Biomnis has a long history in this area of science. In 1897, Marcel Mérieux established a specialist microbiology laboratory in Lyon, France. The Biomnis Group was formed by the merger of the Marcel Mérieux Foundation and the Pasteur Institute in Lyon, France. In 1999, this 100-year-old laboratory merged with Claymon Laboratories, Dublin, to later become part of the Eurofins Scientific global group.

Accredited Medical Testing in Microbiology

We are a long-standing private laboratory in Ireland, accredited ISO 15189 by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB), providing a vastly experienced quality microbiology testing service to Irish public and private hospitals.

The Increasing importance of Microbiology Labs in Ireland and Antibiotic resistance.

The Microbiology labs in Ireland play a crucial role in public health, disease management, and surveillance. Their importance has been underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)

Antibiotics have saved millions of lives however their over-use and misuse has led to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which allows micro-organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites to thrive and grow. Infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant organisms are difficult to treat, causing severe illness and even death. Antibiotic resistance can happen to anyone, irrespective of age, gender and location. Testing for antibiotic resistance is therefore of increasing importance, firstly to determine if antibiotics are needed and secondly, to ensure the most effective antibiotic and dosage is administered. The Eurofins microbiology laboratory has an important role to play in medical laboratory testing and preserving the efficacy of antibiotics amongst the Irish population since there has been no significant discovery of new molecules during recent decades.

View Eurofins Biomnis range of Microbiology Tests

Using our A-Z test guide, search ‘microbiology’ to view our range of tests, click below to view now;

Meet the Eurofins Biomnis Microbiology Team

We have an experienced 25 strong microbiology scientific team led by our Chief Medical Scientist, Des McNulty and made up of Senior Medical Scientists, Medical Scientists, Clinical Scientists, Laboratory Technicians & Laboratory Aides.

Des is a CORU registered Chief Medical Scientist with over 20 years experience in both the private and public medical microbiology and research fields. Des has a Medical Microbiology Masters (Distinction, 1^st Class) and Honours degree in Microbiology from Galway University and graduates from the leadership academy this year.

An ambitious scientist, his team is dedicated and determined to produce the highest quality microbiology results in the shortest possible turnaround to our clients.

We see ourselves as a trusted partner of the HSE and Public Health helping to protect the health of the Irish population. Whilst growing year on year, we continue to expand our test menu and hope to be the largest support network for Public laboratory testing. As a private medical testing laboratory we offer the largest array of microbiological tests in one micro laboratory. All areas of medical microbiology are catered for including Bacteriology, Mycology and Parasitology

We strive to provide excellent training and encouragement to team members to progress within the team and we recognize the importance of career progression in retaining valuable talent which is then reflected in the results to our clients.

Our Microbiology Services

Bacteriology

Bacteriology examinations start with the collection of samples, which can originate from multiple sites on the human body or from medical equipment (Figure 1). 

Our team perform Culture and Sensitivity (C&S) tests first off which involve growing bacteria in specialised media to allow for their identification and characterisation. Microbial identification is performed both manually and is automated, with both methods working well together.

Manual methods include staining, spot tests and analytical profile indexes (API). Recently, we invested in many new instruments to facilitate efficient workflows.  Microbial automated systems include VITEK 2 Series and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer which help to provide the latest up to date characterization of microbial infections in each sample type. Additionally, the BD MAX™ System, a fully automated molecular diagnostic platform performs nucleic acid extraction and real-time PCR for a variety of infectious disease and other assays.

Our automated urine system, the Sysmex UF-5000. is a fully automated urine particle analyzer that uses fluorescent flow cytometry to analyze urine samples. This complements our urine culture and microscopy to provide a complete urinalysis workflow for each patient.

Antimicrobial susceptibility is performed according to EUCAST using both Vitek platforms, MICs, Etests and disc diffusion tests to help identify the real time sensitivity or resistance of bacteria to different antibiotics. Screening  for multi-drug resistant bacteria including MRSA, CPE, VRE, ESBL and AmpC’s is provided in the shortest of turnaround times.

Figure 2. provides some examples of the species that we routinely identify from the diverse range of specimens and samples.

Figure 2: Examples of the species that Eurofins Biomnis Microbiology Lab identify through testing. 

Urine Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary tract infections (UTI) result from the presence and multiplication of microorganisms. in one or more structures of the urinary tract, with associated tissue invasion. This can give rise to a wide variety of clinical syndromes. These include acute and chronic pyelonephritis (kidney and renal pelvis), cystitis (bladder), urethritis (urethra), epididymitis (epididymis) and prostatitis (prostate gland). Infection may spread to surrounding tissues (e.g. perinephric abscess) or to the bloodstream.

Of organisms causing complicated UTIs, E. coli remains the commonest. although other frequent isolates include, Klebsiella sp., Enterobacter sp., Proteus sp., Enterococcus sp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Staphylococci and streptococci can also cause uncomplicated infection such as Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Group B Streptococcus.

We test for Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a public health issue. It remains one of the most common infections in adults in Ireland and is associated with significant disease and is the main cause of stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Eurofins offer a range of tests for Helicobacter Pylori and our scientists have published research in this area.

• Helicobacter pylori stool antigen
• Serology tests for H. pylori antibodies
• Pylori Urea Breath Test

We test for Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile is a leading cause of nosocomial diarrhoea. The production of two toxins A (enterotoxin) and B (cytotoxin) causes the characteristic mucosal damage consisting of plaque-like lesions leading to the formation of a pseudo membrane. Not all strains of C. difficile produce toxin and therefore not all can cause illness.

Test Protocol

A GDH screening test is initially performed on a stool sample requesting C. difficile. If this is negative, C. difficile infection is highly unlikely, and no further testing is required.

If the GDH screen is positive, C. difficile toxin testing is performed. If this toxin test is positive, C. difficile infection is highly probable, and the sample is reported as positive.

If the C. difficile toxin testing is negative, we recommend testing samples for confirmatory PCR testing. Clinicians will be contacted before a sample is referred for PCR testing.

Mycological examination

Mycology examinations utilise microscopy and culture techniques to aid in the identification of pathogenic moulds and yeast. Fungal infections due to Aspergillus, Candida, Pneumocystis, and Cryptococcus are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality especially among individuals with a weakened immune system due to advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease, cancers, chemotherapy, diabetes mellitus, and other underlying disorders.  Fungal organisms can be inhaled, ingested or acquired through trauma to the body. The WHO published a priority list of fungal pathogens in 2022 to guide research development and public health action

The most common fungal tests we perform are on ear swabs, hair and nails and skin scrapings.

Parasitological examination

Most parasitic diseases occur after being abroad or recent travel. The spread and present distribution of many parasites throughout the world is largely due to human activities. 

Our parasitological examinations are performed by our very experienced medical scientists and parasitologists, using a formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation concentration technique and microscopy to aid in the real time identification of gastrointestinal parasites. Urine microscopy for Schistosoma spp. and Sellotape slides for Enterobius vermicularis are also performed

Investigation of Stool and Urine for ova, cysts and parasites

Figure 3: provides some examples of the parasites we identify in our laboratory.

Referral Tests

Eurofins Biomnis work with laboratories throughout the world and offer an extensive range of additional tests for the detection of parasites, viruses, fungi and bacteria. 

Resources

Visit our Primary Sample Manual, a searchable PDF file, with complete details of tests offered by our microbiology laboratory.

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