MOLECULAR
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
Read articles about molecular microbiology from Microbiologics’ experts and other field experts.
Uses and Advantages of Synthetic RNA Process Controls for SARS-CoV-2 Assays
For a highly infectious virus like SARS-CoV-2, an inactivated whole virus control is the gold standard for accuracy. For labs that opt for other control formats, synthetic RNA controls can provide many of the same qualities as inactivated whole virus controls. While...
Advantages of Whole Virus Controls for SARS-CoV-2 Quality Control
The COVID-19 pandemic has put increasing pressure on front-line healthcare workers to deliver fast and accurate test results. For any clinical diagnostic testing, laboratory professionals need assurance that sample preparation methods, as well as the instrumentation...
COVID-19 and Proficiency Testing
I think by now it is safe to say that we are truly living in unprecedented times with the current Coronavirus pandemic. The majority of us have never experienced anything even remotely similar to this in our lives before. If you are currently a front-line worker in...
SARS-C0V-2 Tests & Their Targets
By Marylou Gibson, Ph.D Adapted from a post that originally appeared on LinkedIn. Of the more than 55 RT-PCR Test kits or assays currently available under Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) by the FDA, few target the same genes. Many more similar PCR based tests are...
Importance of Testing a Positive Control When Performing a Diagnostic Assay
Positive controls are critical for ensuring diagnostic accuracy. This post examines reasons why positive controls are necessary, even during emergency situations.
Clinical Case File Results: Persistent Dysuria
Photo Source: Lind, Lancet 1982 Last week we shared the Clinical Case File of a patient with persistent dysuria and asked our readers to determine the cause of the symptom. Here are the poll results: Adenovirus (4%, 7 Votes) Herpes simplex virus (9%, 21 Votes) Human...
Clinical Case File: Persistent Dysuria
Read the case study below and then use your microbiology expertise to determine which pathogen is causing the symptoms. The results will be shared on August 1, 2019. Good luck! Background: Determining which sexually transmitted infection (STI) is causing uncomfortable...
Tips for Choosing and Using Microorganisms for Education
In 2016, two biologists from Indiana University estimated that there are about a trillion species of bacteria on earth.1 With so many choices, how can a teacher select the best strains for her microbiology class? Below are a few tips for choosing and using...
Ask a CAP Inspector: How Frequently Should Molecular Targets Be Rotated?
Q: How frequently should I test targets for my molecular multiplex testing assays? A: This is a common question for inspectors, vendors, and laboratorians. Unfortunately, there are no cut-and-dried answers, but there are some best practices that you can apply in your...
Dear Stanley: Investigating False Positive Results
Dear Stanley, Lately, our lab has been experiencing PCR results that don’t fit with what is expected. We will see occasional positive results in a negative sample. I think the issue could be related to contamination in the lab, but I’m not sure. Do you have any tips...
