In a significant boost to its diagnostic capabilities, Lucknow's King George's Medical University (KGMU) has unveiled a state-of-the-art biofire machine in its microbiology department. This advanced equipment promises to revolutionize how infections are identified, especially in critically ill patients, by delivering results with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
A Leap Forward in Diagnostic Technology
The installation was announced by Prof Vimla Venkatesh, head of the microbiology department, during the department's 39th Foundation Day celebrations on Tuesday. She revealed that the high-tech machine was procured at a cost of approximately Rs 1.25 crore. Explaining its function, Prof Venkatesh detailed that the biofire analyser works by examining a small sample of blood or respiratory fluid to detect the genetic material of pathogens.
"It pinpoints the exact cause of infection—whether bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic—within a very short timeframe," she said. "This allows our doctors to initiate the correct, targeted treatment immediately, without the delays associated with traditional methods." This is a major shift from the earlier reliance on slower culture-based tests, where samples had to be grown in lab conditions over days.
Enhancing Hospital Safety and Diagnostic Capacity
The department's modernization drive doesn't stop there. Prof Sheetal Verma shared that a new air sampler machine has also been acquired. This device can detect harmful bacteria and viruses in operation theatres and other sensitive hospital areas within 15 to 20 minutes, thereby significantly improving infection control and overall hospital safety protocols.
Vice Chancellor Prof Sonia Nityanand highlighted the department's massive workload, noting it conducted around 5.5 lakh (550,000) tests in the past year. She emphasized that the addition of such modern diagnostic facilities is part of a strategic move to enhance in-house capabilities, which will reduce patients' dependence on private laboratories for advanced testing.
A Word of Caution on Antibiotic Resistance
Amidst the technological advancements, a crucial public health warning was issued. ICMR expert Dr Kamini Walia stressed the critical need for the prudent use of antibiotics. She cautioned that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a formidable public health challenge, and rapid diagnostic tools like the biofire machine must be used to guide precise antibiotic therapy, not encourage indiscriminate use.
In related events, the university's radiodiagnosis department also marked its 39th Foundation Day. Prof Namita Mohindra delivered an oration on advancements in breast imaging, while department head Prof. Anit Parihar offered a balanced perspective on Artificial Intelligence in radiology. He stated that while AI can be a powerful supportive tool for radiologists, it cannot replace clinical judgment and must be deployed with careful consideration.
