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International Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology
Statens Serum Institut
5 Artillerivej, DK-2300
Copenhagen, Denmark
Supranational TB Reference Laboratory in Copenhagen, Denmark
Description
The International Reference Laboratory of Mycobacteriology (IRLM) is recognized as the national reference laboratory for tuberculosis and mycobacteria in Denmark by the National Health Board, ECDC and WHO. It serves Denmark, Faroe Islands and Greenland and also carries out international reference functions for WHO (Supranational TB Reference Laboratory) and ECDC (European Reference Laboratory TB net). The laboratory receives approximately 40.000 specimens annually using microbiological, molecular biological, immunological, and pharmacological methods. All routine analysis are ISO 17025 accredited.
Structure and organization
IRLM is part of Statens Serum Institut (SSI), which is under the auspices of the Danish Ministry of Health. SSI´s main duty is to ensure preparedness against infectious diseases and biological threats as well as control of congenital disorders. SSI’s mission statement reads: We aim to reinforce health through disease control and research.
Services provided by the SRL
IRLM provides TB and mycobacteria::
Diagnostics
Surveillance
Research
Counseling
More specifically:
Laboratory based surveillance of tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in humans, animals and medical equipment / environmental specimens
Diagnostics of tuberculosis and NTM by microscopy, PCR/DNA based methods and culturing
Diagnostics and surveillance of resistant tuberculosis and NTM, including multi- (MDR) and extended- (XDR) drug resistance by TREK-, proportion- and genotypic methods
Detection of M. tuberculosis infection by interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA)
Nationwide genotyping of mycobacteria by different DNA-based methods (introduced in 1992)
National- and international reference functions (ECDC, WHO)
Guidance on preventive measures, treatment, transmission, contact tracing, and interpretation of results
The following “technical” methods are used in the laboratory (40.000 specimens annually):
ZN microscopy & LED auramine-rhodamine microscopy
BD MGIT™ TBc Ident. test
Hain GenoType MTBC / CM & AS / MTBDRsl / NTM-DR
Hain FluoroType MTBDR
GeneXpert
BD MGIT™ 960/320, cult. + DST 1st 2nd
TREK® susceptibility test.
Culturing special media / conditions
16s sequencing
ITS sequencing
Whole genome sequencing, Miseq/NextSeq
Serum concentrations anti-tuberculosis
QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube Test
Current links and partnerships outside of SRLN
Collaborations:
ECDC TB European Reference Laboratory Network
The European Society of Mycobacteriology (ESM)
TB Net
National TB Group (expert panel)
Additional information:
Research activities
IRLM has good prerequisites for research in tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Since 1910, we have diagnosed mycobacteria. Initially using microscopy, later on adding culturing and molecular biological methods. Today, we use; microbiological, molecular biological, immunological and pharmacological methods.
"IRLM´s research focuses on the occurrence and distribution of TB and mycobacteria on a national and international scale. Using different DNA-based techniques, the laboratory characterize the mycobacterial genome and map TB transmission patterns, as well as genetic and environmental risk factors. This enables us to determine how such factors affect the health of the individual and society and improve prevention and treatment of disease,. The goal is to present complex genetic data in such a way that data contributes to increased national and international health."
E.g., we research in new improved methods for rapid detection of TB and NTM, including rapid genotypic resistance determination. We map M. tuberculosis transmission patterns nationally and internationally, and we use the results to improve disease control and provide national and international research-based counseling.
We have been research active for more than 100 years. Currently, we have 8 academic employees, 18 lab. technicians and 3 other technical staff members.
For the past 25 years, we have "produced":
3 DMSc dissertations
> 12 PhD dissertations
> 10 thesis students
> 200 peer review articles
Publications
On demand
Trainings
On demand
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