HERE to the information letter

Information letter on the dispatch of findings

PATHOGEN MONITORING
First Isolates 2026

Bacteriology/Parasitology/Mycology/Molecular Biology
Schöpfstr. 41, 6020 Innsbruck

Telephone therapy consultation
Monday-Friday 10:00 – 17:15
Saturday and holiday 11:00-12:00

Sample collection and general information
Monday-Friday 08:00-17:00
Saturday 08:00-11:00
Sunday (Samples submission ONLY) 08:00-10:00
Holiday 08:00-10:00

Moreover, sample collection is possible at any time at the front door of the building. The sample drop box is regularly emptied and the samples are processed immediately.

Contact for complaints
bakteriologie@i-med.ac.at
beschwerdemanagement-bakteriologie@i-med.ac.at

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Dear visitor!

Most infections can be treated nowadays – preconditioned that they are diagnosed in time. In close co-operation with clinicians it is essential to find the causative agents for infectious diseases, to identify the pathogens and to treat them with success.

Therefore, the Institute HMM performes microbiological diagnostics for the University Hospital of Innsbruck, other hospitals and practitioners. Classical methods for direct identification of pathogens (microscopy, culture, and antigen tests) are provided for the whole spectrum of microbiology, molecular biology methods for special questions.

The spectrum of performance comprises the detection of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Diagnostics of infectious diseases are an essential part of modern medicine. Besides, laboratory work, consulting – via telephone or directly at bedside – is an important element of our service.

As a university institute active in research, it is our task to permanently introduce new techniques and microbiological findings into our diagnostic tests and to evaluate them, and to perform epidemiological analyses to derive optimal strategies for prevention.

The laboratory reports antimicrobial susceptibility testing results in accordance with the current guidelines and clinical breakpoints of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST). In cases where no EUCAST breakpoints are available, interpretation is based on the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) breakpoints; this is noted accordingly in the report. If neither EUCAST nor CLSI breakpoints are available, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is reported and, where possible, supplemented by a professional assessment of the likely or unlikely efficacy of the tested substance.

MRSA screening for students of the Medical University of Innsbruck

Adjustment to the way antibiotic suscetibility results are presented

We would like to inform you that, effective July 1, 2026, our institute will be making an adjustment to the way antibiotic susceptibility results are presented. To facilitate clinical interpretation, the current designation “I” will be replaced by “S*” in the future. The underlying EUCAST assessment remains unchanged and continues to correspond to the EUCAST definition of “susceptible with increased antibiotic exposure.” The therapeutic significance of the result therefore remains unchanged.
The reason for this change is that, in clinical practice, the designation “I” was often associated with its former meaning of “intermediate.” However, this does not correspond to the current EUCAST definition. The new designation is intended to more clearly highlight the actual meaning of this category and avoid misunderstandings in its interpretation.
The goal of this change is to support the appropriate use of antimicrobial agents. In particular, it is intended to make it clear that antibiotics in this category can continue to be effective and therapeutically appropriate treatment options when administered at the appropriate dosage and exposure levels. This is intended to counteract the unnecessary preference for reserve antibiotics and to promote the use of proven treatment options in accordance with current recommendations.
We are, of course, available to answer any questions you may have.