The Department of Virology and Molecular Diagnostics is the only one of its kind in the Republic of North Macedonia. It was founded for the first time in 1960. with the aim of: monitoring, study and laboratory diagnosis of viral diseases. At the same time, the most modern serological (immunoenzyme and immunoblot) and molecular diagnostic methods are applied, as well as the isolation of viruses on cell cultures, while following the world literature and WHO recommendations.
Since 2005 the department is accredited by the WHO for the National Laboratory for Measles and Rubella in the Republic of North Macedonia. Since 2006 The HIV Laboratory has been designated as the Reference Laboratory for HIV/AIDS in R. North Macedonia, within which there is also a counseling center for free testing and counseling. The Influenza Laboratory has been nominated by the Ministry of Health as a National Influenza Center and is included in the WHO Program for External Quality Assessment for Influenza Virus Detection. On January 17, 2020, the diagnosis of the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 (Novel corona virus 2019-nCoV) was introduced for the first time in the country. The department is the only one in the country charged by the WHO in the process of maintaining the status of a country free from poliomyelitis.
Analyzes performed in the laboratory:
Detection of RNA/DNA by RT PCR of the following viruses:
Since January 2021, sequencing of the entire genome of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as the rest of the viruses from the respiratory panel, has been underway. From July 2022, detection of MPXV as well as sequencing of the genome of Monkeypox virus is underway. Detection of antigen or antibodies to viruses with:
The Department also performs immunoenzymatic tests to prove antibodies against the following microorganisms:
