The Immunology and Microbiology section consists of three specialised units and employs five medical scientists and a medical technologist contributing towards achieving the NIOH goals by providing quality occupational health services.

We provide a service primarily aimed at evaluating the association between hypersensitivity or disease and workplace exposure achieved by the immunological or microbiological laboratory tests and/or visits the workplace to evaluate possible allergen, irritant or pathogen exposure.

We provide a wide range of specialized tests in the following focus areas bioaerosols, occupational allergies and waterborne pathogens. Our services also include consultations on sampling, health hazard evaluations and general queries on our focus areas. Many of the services are provided in collaboration with other sections of the NIOH (e.g. Occupational Medicine and Occupational Hygiene sections).

• We provide specialized testing for bioaerosols, occupational allergies (respiratory and skin allergies) and waterborne pathogens.
• We provide advice on preventing or reducing occupational allergies and diseases (e.g. Legionnaire’s disease) in workplaces.
• We do workplace visits and risk assessments to hazardous biological agents in collaboration with occupational hygiene.
• We educate and train specialists, health and safety representatives and workers on occupational issues.