MLAB 2321 Molecular Diagnostics for Clinical Laboratory Science

MLAB 2321 Molecular Diagnostics For Clinical Laboratory Science

Course Description

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamental principles of clinical molecular diagnostics and explores the use of molecular techniques in the diagnosis of disease. Topics to be covered include: nucleic acid structure and function, genetics, DNA chemistry, introduction to nucleic acid isolation, identification and amplification techniques used in infectious disease diagnosis in the clinical laboratory, components of a molecular laboratory, and evaluation of controls to validate results obtained.

Prerequisites: Graduation from an accredited MLT/CLT or MT/CLS program or Department Chair approval. Submission of a completed application for the Molecular Diagnostics certificate program and successful completion of a Criminal Background Check.

Course Goals

  1. Apply knowledge of cellular structure and function, especially DNA and RNA, to molecular diagnostic procedures.
  2. Gain a thorough working knowledge of nucleic acid extraction, resolution and detection.
  3. Gain a solid foundation in the most commonly utilized molecular diagnostic testing protocols.
  4. Apply the knowledge of molecular testing to the most commonly performed applications in the clinical laboratory such as: nucleic acid extraction, resolution and detection, analysis and characterization of nucleic acids and proteins, nucleic acid amplification and DNA sequencing.

Course Objectives

  1. Describe cell function and structure.
  2. State the basic principles of modern genetics as they apply to disease transmission.
  3. State the structure, function and duplication of DNA and RNA.
  4. Describe methods for nucleic acid extraction and detection.
  5. List and describe the methods for analysis and characterization of nucleic acids and proteins.
  6. Describe chromosomal structure and mutations and methods to detect.
  7. Briefly describe techniques used in the clinical lab to detect: DNA Polymorphisms, microorganisms, inherited diseases, neoplastic diseases and DNA-based tissue typing.
  8. State the required quality assurance and quality control measures required in a molecular laboratory.

Last Update: November 15, 2012
Web Author: Terry Kotrla, MS, MT(ASCP)BB