MOLECULAR
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
Read articles about molecular microbiology from Microbiologics’ experts and other field experts.
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.
Tuberculosis (TB) Quiz
Read Next - Clinical Lab Best Practices: A Practical Guide to Acing Your Next Inspection
Clinical Lab Best Practices: A Practical Guide to Acing Your Next Inspection
We’ve teamed up with experienced CAP auditor, Joslyn Pribble, to help clinical labs navigate CAP and COLA/CMS/CLIA requirements. Through a series of webinars and blog posts, we’re aiming to provide you with lab best practices so you can ace your next audit! Watch the...
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...
Vector-borne Quiz
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...
