Fundamentals of Molecular Diagnostics: Hands-on Laboratory Training in Clinical Testing is a 3-day introductory laboratory course designed to provide practical experience in modern molecular diagnostic techniques. Through a combination of expert-led lectures, guided laboratory sessions, and case-based learning, participants will gain foundational knowledge and hands-on skills in molecular testing used for the detection of infectious diseases and other clinically relevant conditions.
The course covers the complete molecular diagnostic workflow, including laboratory biosafety, specimen handling, DNA extraction, PCR setup, introduction to real-time PCR, result interpretation, quality assurance, and basic diagnostic reporting. Participants will also develop essential laboratory competencies such as micropipetting, laboratory documentation, and clinical case analysis.
This program is ideal for medical laboratory scientists, healthcare professionals, researchers, and undergraduate or postgraduate students seeking practical exposure to molecular diagnostics. It also serves as the recommended entry-level prerequisite for CeDFoCI's Professional Certificate in Molecular Diagnostics: Hands-on Pathogen Detection & Clinical Testing.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles and clinical applications of molecular diagnostics.
- Apply biosafety practices and good molecular laboratory techniques.
- Process clinical specimens and perform basic DNA extraction.
- Prepare and set up PCR assays for pathogen detection.
- Understand the fundamentals of real-time PCR and molecular result interpretation.
- Follow the complete molecular diagnostic workflow from sample collection to reporting.
- Analyze and communicate basic molecular diagnostic findings.
