Page 135 - DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ENGLISH PR REPORT MAY 2024

5/13/24, 1:26 PM Dubai Central Laboratory implements AI-based technology to detect ‘Legionella’ bacteria
The method is both accurate and sustainable in identifying live colonies of this type of bacteria. It also
shows the results of the examination in specific concentrations from the specimen, accurately
quantifying the bacterial counts to 99 per cent of the time. This also leads to faster completion rate of the
work due to fewer requirements for laboratory supplies.

Eng. Hind Mahmoud Ahmed, Director of the Dubai Central Laboratory Department, underscored Dubai
Municipality’s commitment towards developing digital infrastructure for its laboratories and equipping
them with cutting-edge systems that improve the overall effectiveness of the Emirate’s health and safety
system. The latest move furthers the Municipality's objective of developing and implementing globally

recognized standards for laboratory and calibration certificates, as well as safeguarding public health
and wellness.

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Eng. Hind commented, "This revolutionary method of detecting the Legionella pulmonary bacteria is
among the latest to be accredited globally by the European Water Testing Network. It also has a
certificate of recognition from AOAC International. The technology is very accurate and quick to produce

results, typically needing 48 hours as opposed to the 14 days that traditional methods require."

In addition, the Acting Director of the Dubai Central Laboratory Department stated that more than
100,000 tests are carried out yearly by microbiological analysis laboratories on a variety of food types,
environmental water, and consumer products (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) to guarantee the safety of goods
sold in Dubai markets. It also entails the use of research and development studies for diverse

microbiological examinations, assuring that laboratories have the capacity to respond promptly to
various kinds of circumstances.

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