Dubai Health Authority launches laboratory to test for Tuberculosis, Legionella

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has launched a new stand-alone laboratory which is the only facility in Dubai and the Northern Emirates to provide testing for Tuberculosis (TB)and Legionella.

The lab, which was previously located in Rashid Hospital and is now located in Satwa, will provide a range of molecular diagnostic services.

The CAP-accredited laboratory conforms to Gold Standards and provides specialised services such as AFB smear microscopy, TB culture, MTB complex Identification test, Drug Susceptibility test by genotypic and phenotypic methods, Rapid Molecular testing and T-SPOT test for latent TB infection diagnosis.

DHA has launched a new stand-alone laboratory, which provides several state-of-the-art diagnostic services. It is the only facility in Dubai and the Northern Emirates to provide testing for Tuberculosis (TB) and legionella. pic.twitter.com/JIdSNdIDFB

— هيئة الصحة بدبي (@DHA_Dubai) November 21, 2020

The lab falls under the DHA’s Microbiology and Infection Control unit in the Pathology Laboratory Department and provides centralised diagnostic services for mycobacteria, TB, and Legionella detection service for all health facilities in Dubai. Additionally, the TB diagnostic testing service is a referral service for the entire Northern Emirates as well.

“In the process of disease recognition, the diagnostic laboratory plays a crucial role. From disease aetiology to an interpretative role and disease surveillance, laboratory professionals provide the medical sector much-needed support and are an important link in the patient-care process,” said Dr Hussain Al Samt, director of Pathology and Genetics Department at the DHA.

“Additionally, it is the only service in the UAE providing second line Drug Susceptibility Test for TB. It is a very important test to know the drug susceptibility in patients with diseases such as TB. It helps them understand which medicines will and will not work on them,” added Dr. Rania Medhat Seliem, head of Pathology Laboratory, Rashid Hospital and Consultant at the DHA’s Pathology and Genetics Department.

In October, the DHA inaugurated a Hospitality Care Centre dedicated to the treatment of infectious diseases, including Covid-19.

Read: Covid-19: Dubai launches new dedicated centre for treating infectious diseases

The specialised facility is located in the Dubai Industrial Zone and has 170 rooms spread across three floors.