Welcome to the Division of Clinical Microbiology! The Division of Clinical Microbiology at UTMB is a highly specialized team of 34 FTEs dedicated to providing expert diagnostic services in infectious disease laboratory medicine. Performing over 750,000 billable tests annually, the division offers a comprehensive test menu that supports the clinical and public health needs of the UTMB Health System.
Our laboratory is organized into six core subspecialty sections:
- Bacteriology
- Mycobacteriology
- Mycology
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Molecular Microbiology
Most sections operate seven days a week, with critical testing services available 24/7 to ensure timely and accurate diagnostics for patient care.
The division utilizes a wide array of advanced technologies, methodologies, and automation systems, including:
- Automated walk away specimen processor
- Automated systems for microbial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing
- MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry
- Molecular diagnostics, such as real-time PCR & RT-PCR, transcription mediated amplification, etc.
- Serologic assays
- Traditional techniques, including staining, microscopy, culture and phenotypic/genotypic identification
Oversight of the division is provided by three doctorate-level faculty members, Drs. Natalie Williams-Bouyer, Ping Ren and Rong Fang, who ensure the division meets the highest standards of technical quality, clinical relevance, and administrative efficiency.
In addition to their clinical roles, division faculty are actively engaged in research and scholarly activities, frequently collaborating with investigators across UTMB and with partners at external institutions.