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The Molecular and
Immunodiagnostics Laboratory is a national referral laboratory
conducting molecular and immunoassays for clinical and research
facilities. It was conceived in 1993 when molecular amplification
techniques were first being adapted to clinical testing. Central Blood
Bank recognized the need to develop these capabilities in-house because
most of the early applications centered around blood-borne pathogen
research, namely Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and the causative
agent of AIDS, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Since then,
molecular techniques have become a part of every discipline, and the
laboratory has quickly grown to become a referral center for molecular
testing, not only for such pathogens but also for coagulation.
The Molecular Immunodiagnostics and Laboratory provides genetic testing that
identifies point mutations associated with clotting abnormalities (Factor V Leiden, Factor V
Cambridge, Factor V HR2 haplotype,
Prothrombin Variant
and the MTHFR genes for homocysteine). The lab also offers a molecular
test for
the two
most common mutations for hereditary
hemochromatosis (C282Y and H63D). The MIDL
also performs limited molecular testing for infectious disease such as
HIV-1 PCR and HBV DNA.
Beyond the
clinical capabilities, the laboratory offers consultation and customer
services in molecular immunodiagnostics. These collaborative services
are often required in research protocols, new assay development, field
testing of new kit format assays, and in the support of clinical trials
of new therapeutic agent or interventions. The lab has served as a
beta testing facility for the leading molecular diagnostic kit
manufacturers, such as Schering-Plough, Roche Molecular Systems, Chiron,
and Organon Teknika.
The
Molecular and Immunodiagnostics Laboratory is a state-of-the-art
facility that houses the latest in molecular testing technology. It is
fully equipped to support DNA and RNA nucleic acid extraction, PCR,
b-DNA amplification, southern blot hybridization, gel electrophoresis,
autoradiography, restriction enzyme digestion, EIA, chemiluminescence,
and other highly advanced procedures. Accreditation includes CLIA,
CAP, and licenses for clinical testing in almost every state.
Besides
being a valued regional resource, the Molecular and Immunodiagnostics
Laboratory is active in supporting research projects from academic and
private institutions around the country.
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