PCR is widely used for diagnosing infectious diseases, including COVID-19 and influenza, detecting cancer cells, and identifying genetic mutations. UCDF110 – Introduction to Clinical Molecular Diagnostic Testing & Viruses provides learners with an introduction to clinical laboratories and clinical laboratory testing. Content includes basic molecular biology theory and techniques, with a focus on viral molecular biology and viral nucleic acid testing.

Gain knowledge on clinical diagnostic testing of coronavirus samples from sample receipt through to quality control and troubleshooting of real-time PCR results. These include specimen preparation, nucleic acid extraction, and real-time PCR.

The course is intended for MLA’s, MLT’s, science grads and researchers.

Upon the successful completion of this course, learner will be able to:

• Examine and distinguish clinical and research laboratory environments in Ontario
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic molecular biology theory including virus biology, with a focus on coronaviruses
• Summarize the steps in preparing a specimen for PCR and real-time PCR testing
• Understand how to perform and troubleshoot nucleic acid extraction, PCR and real-time PCR results
• Recognize and understand the importance of automation in clinical laboratories
• Micropipette with accuracy and precision