Research conducted in all laboratories of the Lugar Center is in compliance with current

biosafety and quality control standards.

The Lugar Center’s bacteriology laboratory performs testing on received samples for

identification of respiratory and enterobacteria. Diagnostics of Especially Dangerous Pathogens

are performed by the same bacteriology staff. The laboratory identifies pathogens which cannot

be identified by other clinical laboratories. The Lugar Center’s bacteriology laboratories are

referral centers for both clinical and NCDC&PH regional laboratories.

The Zooentomology Unit is responsible for prevention of the spread of zoonotic diseases

throughout the country, as well as for field operations and collection of environmental samples

(soil, rodents, and ectoparasites) during outbreaks.

The Serology Laboratory performs diagnostics of various infectious diseases using routine and

confirmatory methods. The laboratory performs serological diagnostics of measles virus, rubella

virus, rotaviruses, Leishmania, Borrelia, viruses and bacteria causing hemorrhagic fevers, HIV,

hepatitis viruses, and many other pathogens.

The Laboratories of Influenza, Poliomyelitis and other Enteroviruses perform regular control

activities for these infections throughout the country. Testing of clinical and environmental

samples is performed using molecular, virological, and serological methods.

The Molecular (genome) Laboratory is a multi-sectoral laboratory, equipped with modern

facilities. Classical, Real-time and Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR,

RT-PCR, real-time-PCR) are used for detection of various pathogens in clinical and

environmental samples. Also, genotyping of positive samples and isolated cultures is performed

using modern methods. These methods include: Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE),

Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Multiple Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat

Analysis (MLVA), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), and Sanger Sequencing.

The laboratory has high capacity new generation sequencing equipment MISEQ, ILLUMINA,

which has exclusive capabilities and is unique in Georgia as well as in the region. Genotyping

results obtained in the laboratory can support NCDC&PH’s epidemiological service during

outbreaks as well as in identification of the source of infection for single cases.