Thursday, June 28, 2007
Over the past decade, PCR testing for infectious agents in the clinical laboratory has begun to replace other methods, such as culture. PCR is often now referred to as the "gold standard" in this field. Further evolution of this technology has seen the introduction of Real Time Quantitative (RT-qPCR), replacing traditional gel detection methods for amplified products.
Jeffery Stevenson, Ph.D., and his colleagues at the ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology are developing novel diagnostics for clinical and anatomic pathology in a wide range of disciplines. Increasingly, the group is relying on RT-qPCR technology. During this week's podcast, Dr. Stevenson discusses why RT-qPCR is such an attractive method for a clinical reference lab. He describes its major advantages and notes the potential pitfalls that need to be kept in mind when using the technique.
Dr. Stevenson provides examples of how his lab uses RT-qPCR for detecting viral pathogens and how the data for these assays are validated. He lists the key points to consider when working on the development of an accurate and reproducible RT-qPCR assay and suggests improvements for making the technology even more valuable in a clinical reference lab.
Listen to this highly informative podcast then return to the blog to give your comments on the following question:
What improvements would you like to see in QPCR technology that might make it more valuable in a clinical reference laboratory?
Or, if you prefer, post your own topic on any biotech industry subject you would like.
7/27/2007
I'm from a european ref. lab. and I do agree on Dr Stevenson comments. What is interesting with QPCR is that is has opened ways to MDX automation. It is known that the industry is actually working on fully integrated platforms that will performs NA extraction+QPCR without any human intervention. The question is just: when? maybe by 2010 we'll see the very 1st instruments. I'm concerned with tube or plate sealing. The only serious option found today on the market is coming from the Roche' Cobas Ampliprep. That's unfortunate this later does not start with primary tubes. Will it, in a future? let's cross our fingers. Then, we'll come back to the menu, as QPCR is nothing without the appropriated menu. I'm please to hear Dr Stevenson mentioning CMV. It is a big marker that the industry forgot about. Things are changing right now. So, next should be presumably HPV and Respiratory Virus. The later will be interesting to follow, as it may push QPCR to its limit in term of multiplexing capacities, and may bring, at last, microarrays to reality in a clinical lab.
NOTICE: As such, the comments on this blog were, are, and will always be solely the opinions of the individuals leaving them. In no way does Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, GEN Publishing, Inc., or Mary Ann Liebert ,Inc. endorse, condone, agree with, sponsor, etc. these comments.
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