Contact:

1233 Sofia, Bulgaria; 44A, Gen. Stoletov blvd.

Head of the laboratory

Dr. Dimo Dimov
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Laboratory Staff:

• Mariela Hristova-Savova - Biologist
• Tanya Lazarova - Biologist
• Ekaterina Mihaylova - Senior medical laboratory technician

Diagnostic activity

The laboratory is involved in deciphering the role of human herpesviruses in neuropathology in the country and applying molecular-genetic methods to demonstrate human herpesviruses in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with neurological diseases.

Specific herpesviruses for which we test clinical samples (serum, whole blood, urethral and vaginal swabs, urine, CSF, etc.) are HSV-1/2, VZV, CMV, EBV. Tests are performed using state-of-the-art ELISA and PCR methods with high sensitivity and specificity that detect antibodies and DNA, respectively. These methods are critical to support evidence-based clinical decisions.

In addition, the laboratory uses molecular diagnostic methods for the specific identification of up to 21 types of low-risk and high-risk human papillomavirus to determine the molecular-epidemiological spectrum of this infection in the Bulgarian population. This diagnostic test provides the earliest opportunity to diagnose papillomavirus (HPV) infection and stratify the risk of developing cervical cancer as well as other cancers caused by HPV. The results are key to guiding future therapeutic decisions.

Consultative activity

The laboratory offers on-site consultation with a physician regarding the diseases caused by the specific viruses. The consultation includes a standard medical examination, recommendations for tests (if necessary), explanation and interpretation of tests, advice and prescription of outpatient treatment (if necessary) according to current guidelines.

Participation in interlaboratory and international controls

NRL "Herpes and oncogenic viruses" at the NCIPD, conducts twiceyearly inter-laboratory control of laboratories in the Republic of Bulgaria that perform tests for herpes markers.

The laboratory participates annually in an international control for the diagnosis of the above-mentioned markers, organized and conducted by the specialized institute - Germany. For the successful performance it receives certificates.

Training

The Herpes and Oncogenic Viruses Laboratory annually provides training for students, biologists, medical and laboratory professionals in the form of postgraduate training and as part of the training for the medical specialties of Microbiology, Virology and Epidemiology and other specialties in the form of thematic courses "Modern etiological diagnosis and etiotropic therapy of herpesvirus infections" and "Modern methods for diagnosis and prevention of HPV infections".

Pricelist

of the paid services provided by NCIPD, based on the Decree of the Council of Ministers No. 255 / 17.10.2012, promulgated in the State Gazette No. 81 / 23.10.2012 and Order No. 452 of 26.10.2012 of the Director of the NCIPD