Book An Appointment

Narayana Nethralaya Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Laboratory Services (NNIMDLS)

A One-of-a-Kind Diagnostic Hub in Ophthalmology and Beyond

Established in April 2007, Narayana Nethralaya Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Laboratory Services is a premier diagnostic centre dedicated to excellence in molecular diagnostics and laboratory services.

Vision Behind the Lab

 

Located within Narayana Nethralaya, an eye hospital with more than four decades of experience in world-class services and patient-care, this Molecular Diagnostic Lab is an integral part of Department Of Laboratory Medicine at Narayana Nethralaya. 
With state-of-the-art technology and a commitment to precision, we support surgical and post-surgical care through timely, accurate testing. Our mission is to empower ophthalmologists and clinicians across specialties with the critical insights they need to deliver the best possible patient care.

What Makes Our Lab Unique?

NNIMDLS stands out as the only molecular diagnostics facility embedded within a super-specialty ophthalmology institution, offering both eye-specific and systemic infection diagnostics under one roof. This unique integration makes us a leader in precision diagnostics, particularly in ophthalmic care.

Here are some key highlights that set our lab apart:

Comprehensive Diagnostic Services

NNIMDLS stands out as the only molecular diagnostics facility embedded within a super-specialty ophthalmology institution, offering both eye-specific and systemic infection diagnostics under one roof. This unique integration makes us a leader in precision diagnostics, particularly in ophthalmic care.

Our Molecular Diagnostics laboratory regularly undergoes rigorous quality assessments and is accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)—the highest recognition for laboratory quality in India.

With a capacity to process 100–150 clinical samples daily, and up to 5,000 samples when needed, our lab ensures timely and accurate results. Most reports are issued within 24 hours of sample receipt, thanks to our dedicated team of highly skilled and motivated technicians.

With a capacity to process 100–150 clinical samples daily, and up to 5,000 samples when needed, our lab ensures timely and accurate results. Most reports are issued within 24 hours of sample receipt, thanks to our dedicated team of highly skilled and motivated technicians.

With a capacity to process 100–150 clinical samples daily, and up to 5,000 samples when needed, our lab ensures timely and accurate results. Most reports are issued within 24 hours of sample receipt, thanks to our dedicated team of highly skilled and motivated technicians.

Achievements: Swine Flu, COVID Testing and Role in Public Health

The Molecular Diagnostics team at NNIMDLS plays a vital role in serving Narayana Nethralaya Hospitals, while also making Nationally recognized contributions to public health in India—particularly during pandemics such as H1N1 (Swine Flu) and the recent COVID-19 crisis.

Pioneering Pandemic Response

NNIMDLS holds the unique distinction of being the first private-sector laboratory in South India to receive approval from the Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, for H1N1 testing in 2009.

Leadership In COVID-19 Testing

It is also the only molecular diagnostics laboratory within an ophthalmic institution to be recognized by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as a COVID-19 testing centre. By May 2020, the lab had processed over 800,000 RT-PCR tests, significantly supporting National testing efforts.

Rapid Innovation During Crisis

Demonstrating agility and scientific expertise, the team quickly standardized RT-PCR testing for Black Fungus (Mucor mycosis), enabling timely and accurate diagnosis for clinicians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recognized-Excellence

Recognized Excellence

The laboratory has received several awards and commendations for its outstanding contributions to public health, especially during critical times of national health emergencies.

Excelling in Molecular Diagnostics: Advancing Precision Medicine Through PCR

At the forefront of modern infectious disease diagnostics, our Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory specializes exclusively in Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based testing. This high-precision methodology enables rapid and accurate identification of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens, even in complex or challenging clinical scenarios. By supporting timely and accurate diagnoses, we play a crucial role in improving patient outcomes, preserving organs, and saving lives—especially in critical care settings.

Core Strengths of Our Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory

Specialization in PCR-Based Diagnosis

Our laboratory focuses solely on PCR and Real-Time PCR techniques, offering fast, accurate detection—even when traditional culture methods fall short, such as in cases involving:

  • Fastidious microorganisms that are difficult or impossible to culture
  • Low microbial loads
  • Prior antibiotic use that interferes with conventional diagnostic methods

Speed and Accuracy in Critical Situations

We are dedicated to delivering quick and reliable test results, which is essential in time-sensitive conditions such as:

  • Endophthalmitis
  • ICU admissions
  • Bone marrow transplant patients
  • Cases involving antibiotic misuse or resistance

Next-Generation Diagnostic Capability

Molecular microbiology has become the cutting-edge standard in infectious disease diagnosis. Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art PCR facilities that have transformed microbiological testing into a faster and more accurate science.

Enhancing Antibiotic Stewardship

By enabling rapid identification of the causative organisms, our PCR-based diagnostics support both the escalation and de-escalation of antibiotics, helping clinicians to initiate targeted therapy and reduce unnecessary antibiotic exposure.

Emerging as the Gold Standard

With increased affordability and speed, PCR techniques are now part of routine diagnostics. As this trend continues, molecular microbiology may soon replace traditional culture methods for many infections.

Development of Multiplex Molecular Panels

We are actively developing comprehensive multiplex PCR panels that can detect multiple infectious agents simultaneously. This innovation significantly shortens diagnosis time, reduces ICU stays, and enables clinicians to begin specific treatment sooner.

Referral Hub for Advanced Testing

Our lab receives diagnostic referrals from across Karnataka, trusted for our high-sensitivity, high-specificity testing and expert analysis.

Culture-Free Virus Detection

Molecular diagnostics allows direct detection of viruses without the need for culture, making it invaluable in early and accurate viral diagnosis.

Our Expertise: Practical Applications of Molecular Diagnostics

  • Diagnosis of a wide range of infectious diseases
  • Specialized testing for endophthalmitis in ophthalmic clinics
  • Infection screening and management in ICUs and bone marrow transplant patients
  • Supports antibiotic stewardship by guiding targeted treatment and preventing misuse
  • Diagnostic support during pandemics and epidemic outbreaks

Sterility assessments for:

  1. GMP labs
  2. Operation theatres
  3. ICU wards
  4. Surgical instruments and materials

List of Molecular Microbiology Tests performed at NNIMDLS (Qualitative Detection)

  • Diagnosis of a wide range of infectious diseases
  • Nested PCR for Pan fungal Genome
  • Nested PCR for Propionibacterium acnes
  • Real Time PCR for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and NTM
  • Real time PCR for Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  • Real time PCR for Herpes Simplex Virus -1( HSV 1)
  • Real time PCR for Herpes Simplex Virus -2( HSV 2)
  • Real Time PCR Adeno Virus
  • Real Time PCR for Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV)
  • Nested PCR for Toxoplasma gondii
  • H1N1 Real time PCR
  • Covid -19 Real time PCR
  • HLA B27

Molecular Tests (Quantitative Detection)

  • Hepatitis B Virus Quantitative PCR
  • Cytomegalo Virus Quantitative PCR
  • Herpes simples Virus -1 Quantitative PCR
  • Herpes simplex virus -2 Quantitative PCR
  • Adeno virus Quantitative PCR
  • EBV virus Quantitative PCR
  • BK Virus Quantitative PCR

Multiplex Real Time PCR Panels

  • Multiplex Real time PCR for Eye Infections
  • Respiratory Panel
  • Sepsis Panel
  • Transplantation Panel
  • Endophtalmitis panel
  • Hematuria & Transplantation Panel
  • Viral Meningitis Panel
  • Immuno Suppressive panel

Meet the team

Narayana Nethralaya Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Laboratory Services, under the leadership of
Dr. Venkata Ramana A, is committed to excellence in diagnostic care. Our team comprises highly trained, skilled, and dedicated professionals who bring precision and efficiency to every test.

Sample Collection And Transportation

  • For H1N1 and COVID 19 Testing contact Dr. Venkata Ramana. A
  • For other Molecular tests the following procedure to be followed

BLOOD: Collect approximately 1 ml in an EDTA Vacutainer. Please avoid the use of Heparin.

Other clinical specimens should be collected in new sterile glass or plastic vials without any transport medium. If a delay in processing is anticipated, the specimens should be stored in a domestic or hospital-grade refrigerator.

All clinical specimens must be transported in an ice-cold container.

molecular laboratory at Narayana Nethralaya

Contact Details